Regal moth

The Regal moth (Citheronia regalis) is a large, striking moth belonging to the family Saturniidae. While known for its impressive size, its larval stage, often called the "hickory horned devil," can cause localized defoliation on various hardwood tree species.

Taxonomically, the species is classified within the order Lepidoptera and the family Saturniidae. Understanding its biological cycle is crucial for effective management in orchards or tree nurseries, especially in regions where these moths are naturally established.

This pest targets a specific range of host plants, most notably trees in the walnut and ebony families. Primary hosts include hickory, walnut, pecan, persimmon, and various oak species. They feed voraciously on the foliage of these trees during their late larval instars.

The life cycle involves an egg stage, followed by five larval instars, a pupal stage, and the adult moth. The pupae overwinter in the soil beneath the host plant, emerging as adults in the early summer to mate and lay eggs on host leaves.

• Regular inspection of foliage for signs of larval feeding.
• Manual removal of larvae from small trees or ornamental plantings.
• Application of Bacillus thuringiensis sprays for targeted larval control.
• Maintenance of natural predator populations to help keep pest numbers low.

The economic impact of the Regal moth is generally considered low, as they rarely occur in outbreak populations. However, for young trees or high-value plantings, the damage caused by heavy defoliation can stunt development and require immediate intervention to protect tree health.