Conservation Status
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The Western Sheepmoth has a very limited distribution in AB and may be sensitive to land use changes
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Cyclicity
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These moths are day-flying, and are found primarily between late June and mid July.
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Distribution
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Southern B.C. and extreme southeastern Alberta southward throughout the western U.S.
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General Description
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No other species in Alberta has the distinctive pink and yellow wings with black markings. The extent of the black markings is extremely variable, ranging from being almost absent to entirely black. The Sagebrush Sheepmoth has a similar pattern, but lacks the pink and yellow colour.
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Habitat
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Montane meadows and open woodlands. In AB, only found from Waterton N.P. north to the Crowsnest Pass
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Life Cycle
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This species is thought to have a two-year life cycle in Alberta, overwintering first as an egg and again the second year as a pupa. These moths have a very rapid flight and are usually difficult to observe.
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Trophic Strategy
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McGugan (1958) states the main hosts are wild rose and ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor), which is not known to occur in Alberta. Other known hosts that do occur in AB include willow, Vine Maple, birch and aspen.
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Sheep moth
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The sheep moth, or common sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), is a member of the family Saturniidae of silk moths and is native to western North America. In California, its range is west of the Sierran crest[1] and the mountains of Southern California, ranging near to the coast.[2] The moth is dayflying and appears in summer.[1] It feeds on plants of three genera: Ceanothus, Rhamnus (including coffeeberry), and Rosa.[1][2] Nuttall's sheep moth and one other species are similar, occurring in sagebrush areas east of the Sierra Nevada.[1] The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852.[3]
The sheep moth has a 5.5-8.5 centimeter wingspan and a relatively slender body. Its forewings are pink with a yellow streak in the middle and the hindwings are yellowish with variable black markings. There is an all-black form near Mount Shasta.[1] The larvae are black with branched yellowish spines that become orange in later development and an orange-brown head.[1]
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References
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Sheep moth: Brief Summary
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The sheep moth, or common sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), is a member of the family Saturniidae of silk moths and is native to western North America. In California, its range is west of the Sierran crest and the mountains of Southern California, ranging near to the coast. The moth is dayflying and appears in summer. It feeds on plants of three genera: Ceanothus, Rhamnus (including coffeeberry), and Rosa. Nuttall's sheep moth and one other species are similar, occurring in sagebrush areas east of the Sierra Nevada. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852.
The sheep moth has a 5.5-8.5 centimeter wingspan and a relatively slender body. Its forewings are pink with a yellow streak in the middle and the hindwings are yellowish with variable black markings. There is an all-black form near Mount Shasta. The larvae are black with branched yellowish spines that become orange in later development and an orange-brown head.
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