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Rosy Maple Moth

What is rosy maple moth?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Dryocampa rubicunda[1]
Family Saturniidae[2]
Native range North America[1]
Wingspan Males 32–44 mm; females 40–50 mm[5]

The rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) is a North American silk moth in the family Saturniidae, known for its pink and yellow coloration and its association with maple trees [1].

Context

The rosy maple moth is a moth species in the family Saturniidae, native to North America and associated with maple trees [1]. It belongs to the group of silk moths found in temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America [1]. Adults in Missouri have been recorded from late April into September [4]. The caterpillars, called green-striped mapleworms, feed on red maples, sugar maples, silver maples, turkey oaks, and box elder maples [1].

Documented claims

  • Adults do not feed; only caterpillars consume leaves of maples and oaks [6].
  • The species is not considered threatened or endangered [3].

Related

Cecropia MothCecropia moth is another large North American silk moth species, often compared with rosy maple moth in size and appearance.Polyphemus MothPolyphemus moth is a related giant silk moth found in the same regions, sharing habitat and life cycle traits.

Questions and answers

Are rosy maple moths in Canada?

Yes, they are found in parts of Canada, including southern Canada [3].

Are rosy maple moths harmful?

They are not generally considered a pest, though caterpillars can be a nuisance to maple trees [2].

Can you touch rosy maple moths?

Adults do not feed and are not known to bite or sting, but handling them is not recommended as they are delicate [6].

Sources

  1. rosy maple moth - BioKIDS - University of Michigan — biokids.umich.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Rosy Maple Moth — mdc.mo.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) - - Maryland News — news.maryland.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Rosy Maple Moth (GTM Research Reserve Arthropod Guide) — inaturalist.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Rosy Maple Moth Facts — factanimal.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  6. Rosy Maple Moths - The Wilderness Center — wildernesscenter.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature