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Salt Marsh Moth

Salt Marsh Moth

Estigmene acrea

A species of Ermines, Also known as Saltmarsh caterpillar, Salt Marsh Tiger

Adult salt Marsh Moth ( Estigmene acrea) has a graceful form that looks as if it was wearing a gorgeous white cloak. Actually, the “white cloak” is the forewing, under which is a chubby yellow-orange abdomen. It is a native insect found throughout the United States, and generally seen from May to August.

Does the Salt Marsh Moth cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Salt Marsh Moth
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Attributes of Salt Marsh Moth
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Salt Marsh Moth can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Salt Marsh Moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
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Species Status of Salt Marsh Moth
It is found in North America.
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Distribution Area of Salt Marsh Moth
North America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Colombia and Mexico
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Appearance of Salt Marsh Moth
The head and thorax are white and the abdomen is yellow orange with a row of black spots. The forewing is white with a variable pattern of black spots, with some individuals lacking any spots. The hindwing is yellow orange in males and white in females. Both sexes have three or four black spots or blotches on the hindwings. The wingspan measures 4.5 - 7 cm. The yellowish eggs are laid in clusters on the host plant leaves. The larva, known as the salt marsh caterpillar, which grows to about 5 cm in length, is highly variable in color, ranging from pale yellow to rusty orange brown to dark brownish black. It is hairy, with numerous soft setae, growing in tufts (several tufts on each segment), with a few individual hairs that are longer toward the end of the body. The thoracic and abdominal segments have a few rows of orange or black warts, and it has one tiny white dot per segment, on both sides of its body.
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How to Identify Salt Marsh Moth?

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Life Cycle of Salt Marsh Moth
Egg The embryonic stage begins with an egg. The salt Marsh Moth lays eggs that are often spherical or oval. The eggs' color can vary and may change as they develop. This stage typically lasts a few days to several weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva emerges. It has a worm-like appearance with a distinct head and chewing mouthparts for feeding. The salt Marsh Moth will grow rapidly, shedding its skin (molting) multiple times. Color and patterns may change with each molt.
Pupal The salt Marsh Moth enters the pupa stage after its final larval molt. It becomes encased within a chrysalis or cocoon, and while it appears inactive externally, significant internal restructuring occurs. The body is transformed as it prepares for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult salt Marsh Moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and the continuation of the species.
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Adult Size of Salt Marsh Moth
2 - 7 cm
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Predators of Salt Marsh Moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, parasitic wasps, arachnids
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Scientific Classification of Salt Marsh Moth
Tips for Finding Salt Marsh Moth
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Youth Habitat of Salt Marsh Moth
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Salt Marsh Moth
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Salt Marsh Moth
Light traps are commonly used to attract salt Marsh Moth, due to their nocturnal nature.
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Habitat Preferences of Salt Marsh Moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of salt Marsh Moth are typically deposited on the underside of host plant leaves. Searching for larvae would require inspecting the host plants as they actively feed on the foliage; common hosts include a variety of broadleaf weeds and grasses. The pupal stage of salt Marsh Moth is often found in soil or leaf litter near the host plants they consumed as larvae. Adult salt Marsh Moth are mostly observed around the areas with abundant flowering plants, as they feed on nectar. One would need to scan flowers and surrounding vegetation during the day to locate the adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Salt Marsh Moth
The most suitable time to search for salt Marsh Moth is during the evening and nighttime when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Salt Marsh Moth
Salt Marsh Moth are more likely to be active on warm, dry nights, and less active during colder or rainy weather.
Are Salt Marsh Moth harmful?
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The salt Marsh Moth has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

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Are Salt Marsh Moth harmful to humans?

While the salt Marsh Moth is harmless to humans, the caterpillar can cause slight harm to people with sensitive skin. These people may develop dermatitis, redness and/or irritation, from the long hairs on this caterpillar’s body while handling it.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid touching this caterpillar without protective clothing. Use caution if you aren’t sure of how sensitive your skin is, especially if you are unsure of the identity of the caterpillar. Some caterpillar species have stinging spines that can cause severe symptoms, so caution is warranted before handling them.
Harmful Effects of Salt Marsh Moth
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Allergenic
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Does the Salt Marsh Moth cause allergies?

Contact with the larvae stage of salt Marsh Moth can lead to mild allergic reactions in a small subset of individuals. The allergens are primarily the hairs that may cause symptoms upon skin contact. The severity of these reactions typically varies but remains at a mild level, so the risk is not high for most people. Individuals who are prone to allergies should handle salt Marsh Moth with caution to prevent discomfort.

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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of salt Marsh Moth consume leaves and fruits, leading to defoliation and compromised yield. In mild cases, minor leaf damage occurs, but a severe infestation may result in substantial crop loss, potentially increasing farmers' reliance on insecticides, with associated economic and environmental impacts.

More Effects of Salt Marsh Moth

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