About Anisota virginiensis Drury, 1773
Anisota virginiensis Drury, 1773 is a moth species with clear sexual dimorphism in appearance. Female moths have purplish red wings marked with ochre-yellow; their wings are covered in thin scales and are nearly transparent. Male moths have purplish brown wings that have a large transparent area in the center. Females are larger than males overall. The total wingspan of this species ranges from 4.2 to 6.6 centimeters. This moth occurs across Canada, from Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba, and is also found throughout the United States. It inhabits deciduous woodlands and suburban areas. No special conservation regimes are needed for this species. It is classified as a forest pest because it defoliates trees. Outbreaks of this moth can be controlled using an arsenical spray.
