Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea). A moth that fools many. Erroneously thought to be a beetle because of its bright colors and its adults taking in flower nectar during the day. And that shape, how can that be a moth?
The Ailanthus Webworm Moth is native to southern Florida and the American tropics. There it has had a host plant of native Paradise Trees (Simarouba). Way back in 1748 Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) was brought from its native China to the United States by a Pennsylvania gardener as a decorative plant, and in 1840 it was commercially available. Fast forward to present day and Tree-of-heaven has spread across most of the United States.
The Ailanthus Webworm Moth has, also over the years decided that Tree-of-heaven is its favorite host plant and has spread its range. This moth doesn’t tolerate freezing weather. Cold winters wipe out northern populations but spring brings Ailanthus Webworm Moths expanding their range northward again, starting from warmer areas.
