Distribution
It is one of the more common Saturniids, reaching pest status occasionally in the northern parts of its range. As they are late-season feeders, however, they do little lasting damage to their hosts. It is very similar to ''A. finlaysoni'' in southern Ontario and ''A. peigleri'' in the southern US. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.
Behavior
There is only one brood a year.
Reproduction
Larvae are gregarious in the early instars and often do not disperse much in the late instars. The fifth instar is black with yellow-orange stripes on its side, and prominent spiny horns on the second segment of the thorax, about 5 cm long. Smaller spikes occur on the remaining segments. They feed on oaks in August and September.
Food
Oaks, ''Quercus'' species, especially red oaks . Wagner also reports chestnut, birch, hazel, hickory and maple.References:
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