Apatelodes torrefacta — Spotted Apatelodes

J.E. Smith, 1797

Hodges# 7663

Etymology

Apatelodes: Combines the older genus Apatela once used for the Dagger moths and the Greek odes, for “resembling.”

Torrefacta: Possibly from the Latin torre meaning “ to burn or char,” and facta, “the act of;” perhaps in reference to skin irritation caused by contact with the caterpillars that is said to occur with some people.

Pronunciation

Uh-PAT-eh-loads tor-eh-FACT-uh

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the verified sightings of the Spotted Apatelodes in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2023-08-25	Elkhart	Kleyn, Cornelis
2023-08-25	Elkhart	Kleyn, Cornelis
2023-08-17	Vigo	Sanders, Tina
2023-07-30	Brown	Stewart, Lance
2023-07-25	Switzerland	Wainscott, Andi
2023-07-24	Brown	Pollock, Michele
2023-07-24	Owen	Pettigrew, Laura
2023-07-19	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2023-07-15	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2023-07-13	Jennings	Johnson, Stefan

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2023-08-25 County: Elkhart Observer: Kleyn, Cornelis Notes:
Date: 2023-08-25 County: Elkhart Observer: Kleyn, Cornelis Notes:
Date: 2023-08-17 County: Vigo Observer: Sanders, Tina Notes:
Date: 2023-07-30 County: Brown Observer: Stewart, Lance Notes:
Date: 2023-07-25 County: Switzerland Observer: Wainscott, Andi Notes:
Date: 2023-07-24 County: Brown Observer: Pollock, Michele Notes:
Date: 2023-07-24 County: Owen Observer: Pettigrew, Laura Notes:
Date: 2023-07-19 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2023-07-15 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2023-07-13 County: Jennings Observer: Johnson, Stefan Notes:

Apatelodes torrefacta Sightings by Month

Conservation Status

• Global status: G5 (secure)
• National status: N5 (secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

Spotted Apatelodes caterpillars are fairly generalistic feeders who are able to utilize a variety of flora, particularly the foliage of native trees. Adult moths do not feed.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Aquifoliales
Aquifoliaceae	Ilex spp.	hollies
Order: Asterales
Asteraceae	Arctium spp.	burdocks
Order: Dipsicales
Adoxaceae	Viburnum spp.	viburnums
Order: Ericales
Ericaceae	Rhododendron spp.	azaleas and rhododendrons
Order: Fabales
Fabaceae	Strophostyles spp.	wild beans
Order: Fagales
Betulaceae	Alnus spp.	alders
	Carpinus caroliniana	musclewood, aka blue beech
	Corylus americana	American hazelnut
Fagaceae	Quercus spp.	oaks
Juglandaceae	Carya spp.	hickories
	Juglans spp.	black walnut and butternut
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
Order: Laurales
Lauraceae	Sassafras albidum	sassafras
Order: Magnoliales
Annonaceae	Asimina triloba	pawpaw
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae	Prunus spp.	cherries
	Rubus spp.	blackberries, dewberries, and raspberries
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Salix spp.	willows
Order: Sapindales
Aceraceae	Acer spp.	maples
Order: Saxifragales
Hamamelidaceae	Hamamelis spp.	witch hazels