DISTRIBUTON:

Hemileuca artemis (wingspan 60-85mm, females larger than males) may well be a variation of Hemileuca nevadensis with slight variation in larval and adult colouration being environmentally induced.

According to Tuskes, Tuttle and Collins, pairings of nevadensis and artemis produced fully viable adults, with subsequent back-crosses resulting in no loss of larval vigour.

Artemis is used predominantly for moths from the southern extent of the nevadensis range, i.e., New Mexico.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species flies from late September to early December, with peak activity in late October and early November.

Willows and poplars are the favorite host plants of the larvae.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females make their ovapositing flights in the early afternoon and deposit large numbers (100-200) of eggs in one or two eggs rings on supporting twigs.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae hatch from March to May and are highly gregarious and black in the first instar. Larvae wander and become solitary feeders in the final stages. Larvae pass through six instars and reach maturity at 55mm. Rearing conditons need to be warm and dry. Nevadensis to the right.

Pupation is on the surface in a chamber fashioned under loose debris. Pupae eclose that fall before the rainy season.

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 Populus fremonti Populus tremuloides....... Prunus Quercus agrifloia Salix babylonica Salix discolor Salix interior Salix lasiandra Salix lasiolepis Salix longifolia

Hazel Fremont cottonwood Quaking aspen Cherry Coast live oak Weeping willow Pussy willow Sandbar willow Willow Arryo willow Sandba rwillow

Return to Main Index

Return to Hemileuca Genus