The pink striped oak moth (Anisota virginiensis) is one of fifteen species of moths from the family Saturniidae found in Maryland—the smallest of which is the rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda). Like the rosy maple moth, Anisota virginiensis are relatively small for saturniids—their wingspan is under 3 inches. Pink striped oak moths exhibit sexual dimorphism; females are larger than males and have purplish red and ochre-yellow wings with almost transparent scales. Males on the other hand are a darker purple-brown with a large transparent space in the middle of their wings. Both sexes have furry bodies, feathery antennae, and feature a round white spot on their forewings. As their common name suggests, the preferred host plant for these moths are oak trees (including Quercus alba, Quercus falcata, Quercus lyrata, and Quercus rubra). After mating, females lay their eggs in groups on the underside of leaves, which provides food for the caterpillars when they hatch.

–Carly Davis