Lochmaeus manteo, the variable oakleaf caterpillar moth, is a moth of the family Notodontidae. It is found in eastern North America.

Variable oakleaf caterpillar moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Notodontidae
Genus:	Lochmaeus
Species:	L. manteo
Binomial name
Lochmaeus manteo Doubleday, 1841
Synonyms
Tadana cinerascens Walker, 1855 Lochmaeus subalbicans (Grote, 1864)

The wingspan is 37–50 mm. Adults are on wing from April to October.

The larvae feed on various deciduous trees, especially Quercus species. The larva can spray formic acid which is reported to cause blisters or severely irritate human skin.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lochmaeus manteo.

• Bug Guide
• Stinging Caterpillars A Guide to Recognition of Species Found on Alabama Trees
• Caterpillars of Eastern Forests
• Images

This article on a moth of the family Notodontidae is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e