New Jersey Butterfly Club
A chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia)
Hodges number: 7730
Family: Saturniidae
Subfamily: Hemileucinae
Wingspan: 2.0-3.0 inches
Range in NJ: Rather common, though local, in north Jersey but more widespread in the Pine Barrens.
A U.S./Canada distribution map for this species is available.
Flight Period: September into November, 1 brood
Caterpillar Food Plants: Feeds on Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) mainly along ridgetops in the Ridge and Valley and Highlands, and in the Pine Barrens.
Comments: Also known as Eastern Buck Moth. Closely related to Nevada Buck Moth complex. Adults of species are best identified by habitat and host plant use. Buck Moths are day fliers but some are also attracted to lights at night.
On Scrub Oak, Stokes SF, Sussex County, NJ, 10/8/13.
In defensive posture, Greenwood WMA, Ocean County, NJ, 10/28/07.
Egg rings, Delaware Water Gap NRA, Sussex County, NJ, 10/11/08.
Early-instar larvae feeding on Scrub Oak with frass from larvae above, Warren County, NJ, 5/27/15.
Late-instar larva feeding on Scrub Oak, Appalachian Trail, Sussex County, NJ, 6/27/10.