Sheep moth Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sheep moth

Scientific classification

The sheep moth, also known as the common sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), is a beautiful insect. It belongs to a group of moths called Saturniidae, which are known as silk moths. This moth lives in western North America.

In California, you can find the sheep moth in the western areas, including the Sierra Nevada mountains and the mountains of Southern California, often close to the coast. Unlike many moths, the sheep moth flies during the day. You are most likely to see it in the summer months.

Sheep moths enjoy eating plants from three main groups: Ceanothus, Rhamnus (which includes plants like coffeeberry), and Rosa plants. Another similar moth, the Nuttall's sheep moth, lives in areas with sagebrush east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The first person to describe the sheep moth was Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852.

Appearance of the Sheep Moth
- Wings and Colors
- Caterpillar Appearance
Gallery
See also

Appearance of the Sheep Moth

The sheep moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other, is usually between 5.5 and 8.5 centimeters (about 2 to 3.3 inches). Its body is quite slender.

Wings and Colors

The front wings of the sheep moth are often pink. They have a yellow stripe running through the middle. The back wings are yellowish and can have different black patterns on them. In some places, like near Mount Shasta, you might even find a special kind of sheep moth that is all black!

Caterpillar Appearance

The young sheep moths, called larvae or caterpillars, look very different from the adults. They are black with yellowish spines that branch out. As they grow older, these spines turn orange. The caterpillar's head is usually orange-brown.