Heterocampa astarte Doubleday, 1841
A prominent moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G4G5
Virginia State Rank: S1S2
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: Heterocampa astarte is a large Notodontid Moth that is mainly light green in color. There are a few faint black scalloped lines that bisect the forewings from the leading to the trailing edge. There is a large white patch on the leading edge side of the apex, and a less distinct light patch slightly nearer to the base than the half way point on the leading edge of the front wing. The hind wing is mainly white with some markings at the trailing edge.
Similar species: Many Heterocampa species are more or less similar to Heterocampa Astarte, even with very similarly placed markings none of them have the same light green base color of the front wings.
North American Range: It is found in the lower coastal plain from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. This species ranges from southeastern Virginia south to Florida. In Virginia, it has been documented in Virginia Beach City.
VA Observations by Locality: Virginia Beach, City of
Flight season and broods: Adults fly from late March to early October. This species has four annual broods in Louisiana, but only two in Texas. It may be double brooded, at least in South Carolina. Dates of records include April and early May, and again in late June through early September.
Habitat and Food Plants: Its primary food source is Live Oak (
Behavior and Ecology: Presently unknown
Population trend and potential threats: Population status and potential threats are unknown.
Management practices: Populations should be monitored and habitats preserved.
References: Brou Jr., Vernon A. 2011. Heterocampa Astarte Doubleday, 1841 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) in Louisiana. South. Lepid. News 33: 74-75.
Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=7977 Accessed: 14Apr2013
Snyder, J. South Carolina Moths Searchable Checklist. http://facweb.furman.edu/~snyderjohn/sc-moths/ Accessed: 14Apr2013
Wagner, D. L. 2005. Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 512pp.