The Ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea) is an ermine moth found commonly in the United States. This small, colorful moth resembles a true bug or beetle when not in flight, but when in flight it resembles a wasp. Its original range included the American tropics since its host tree (paradise tree) is found in this geographic range. It has expanded its range North as it has adapted to live and feed on Ailanthus altissima.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Ailanthus Webworm Moth being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Attevidae
- Genus
- Atteva
- Species
- Atteva aurea
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