Subject: What is this bug?
Location: Ohio
October 21, 2013 2:07 pm
Can’t find this insect anywhere.
It looks like a long lightening bug with very intricate design on the wings.
Signature: Rob
Hi Rob,
This is an Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Atteva punctella, a native Ermine Moth that has expanded its original range because its caterpillar adapted to eating leaves of the invasive, exotic Ailanthus or Tree of Heaven. Sadly, the caterpillars will never do enough damage to the tree to help control the spread of that noxious weed species throughout the civilized world.
I found one off exit 210 from I-40 in NC.
These moths are in NJ as well, so pretty! 🙂