About Harrisina metallica Stretch, 1885
Harrisina metallica, commonly known as the western grapeleaf skeletonizer, is a moth species belonging to the family Zygaenidae. It is distributed in the Southwestern United States, ranging from California to Texas, and extending north to Colorado and Utah; it is also found in northern Mexico. This moth has a wingspan of 22 to 30 millimeters (0.87 to 1.18 inches). Adult moths are active from April to October, with activity periods varying by location. The larvae of this species feed on grapes and plants from the Parthenocissus genus. These larvae are often called "grape worms" due to their preference for the sweet grapes where they are laid by adult moths. The caterpillars have stinging hairs that can cause rashes or allergic reactions. They are considered a pest in many commercial grape vineyards, where they negatively affect the season's crop yield. This pest issue can be managed easily with organically certified bacteria-based insecticide.
