Sheep moth

The sheep moth, or common sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), is a member of the family Saturniidae of silk moths and is native to western North America. In California, its range is west of the Sierran crest[1] and the mountains of Southern California, ranging near to the coast.[2] The moth is dayflying and appears in summer.[1] It feeds on plants of three genera: Ceanothus, Rhamnus (including coffeeberry), and Rosa.[1][2] Nuttall's sheep mothand one other species are similar, occurring in sagebrush areas east of the Sierra Nevada.[1] The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852.[3]

The sheep moth has a 5.5-8.5 centimeter wingspan and a relatively slender body. Its forewings are pink with a yellow streak in the middle and the hindwings are yellowish with variable black markings. There is an all-black form near Mount Shasta.[1] The larvae are black with branched yellowish spines that become orange in later development and an orange-brown head.[1]