DISTRIBUTION:

Anisota manitobensis, which may be a clinal variation of stigma, (wingspan: males: 39-41mm; females: 45-53mm) flies in south-central Manitoba, Canada, in Rosseau County, Minnesota, and possibly in isolated areas of northern North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Anisota manitobensis male, 7 mile East Roseau River, Manitoba,
September 4, 1998, courtesy of Derek Bridgehouse

Female manitobensis have a pinkish cast on the forewing and males lack the hyaline area typical of most other Anisota. Neither male nor female manitobensis have the black spotting found on stigma.

Anisota manitobensis pair, 7 mile East Roseau River, Manitoba,
September 4, 1998, courtesy of Derek Bridgehouse

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

There is a single brood with moths on the wing from early June to early July (T, T & C). Based on September 4, 1998, report from Derek Bridgehouse, there may be a partial second brood, or possibly the reports of June-July flights are in error and this is more of a late season flier. Possibly that would explain why there are so few specimens available for study.

Manitobensis larvae feed upon Quercus macrocarpa (preferred hostplant) and hazel.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Anisota manitobensis female from Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility

Anisota manitobensis pair, 7 mile East Roseau River, Manitoba,
September 4, 1998, courtesy of Derek Bridgehouse

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in large clusters of up to 100 eggs, usually on the undersides of oak leaves.

Larvae are gregarious but divide into smaller clusters as they progress and many become solitary feeders in the final instar. Pupation is under the soil.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Corylus Quercus macrocarpa......

Hazel Bur oak

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