Hemileuca maia

Adult — Orange County (Carol Thornton-Anderson)

Caterpillar — Orange County (John Lindsey)

An Indiana Native

Hemileuca maia — Eastern Buck Moth

(Drury, 1773)

Hodges# 7730

Etymology

Hemileuca: Combines the Greek hemi for “half” with leuc for “white” — a reference to the wing patterning.

Maia: In Greek mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes.

Pronunciation

hem-ee-loo-kuh mye-uh

Overview

See notes on genus Hemileuca.

Adult Size and Description

Wingspan: 50–70 mm (2–2.8 in)
Coloration and Patterning:

Both fore and hind wings are black with a white median band with a dark discal spot bisected by a yellowish line.
Adults of Hemileuca maia often appear idential to the Great Lakes Complex.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Females larger than males
Males have red-tipped abdomen. The abdomen of females is all black.
Antennae are broadly bipectinate on males and much narrower on females.

Defense Mechanisms:

Batesian Mimicry — Some entomologists believe that adult Hemileuca moth’s white/black wing coloration and the female’s red-tipped abdomen may mimic Hymenoptera (bees and wasps). When disturbed, they move their abdomen similar to a stinging insect.

Conservation Status — NatureServe Rankings

Secure 5: Secure 4: Apparently secure NR: Not ranked

Floral Associates

The caterpillars of Hemileuca maia are larval specialists on oaks (Quercus spp.). Adults lack a digestive system, do not eat, and exist solely for reproduction.

Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Order: Fagales
Fagaceae	Quercus spp.	oaks

Eastern Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia) in Indiana

The map, graph(s), and data below represent the Indiana sightings of Hemileuca maia as of 21 December 2024, confirmed through photographic evidence by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

Occurrences by County

Counties recorded: 1 of 92

Top counties/#of records:
Orange: 2

species present icon GAIN LP documented in county

Sightings by Month

Earliest live adult: Carol Thornton-Anderson, Orange County on 06 November 2015
Latest live adult observation: Carol Thornton-Anderson, Orange County on 06 November 2015

Total Sightings by Year

Total Number of observations (all years combined): 2
Number of field observers: 2

Sightings by Gender

Image Gallery

The images and records below were submitted by individuals through the Great American Indiana Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).