Where’s Wildlife · Moth Field Guide
Harrisina americana
A narrow-winged black moth whose name describes the leaf damage made by its caterpillars.
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MOTH FIELD NOTES
Look for a yellow or orange collar behind the head, featherlike antennae, and a tuft at the abdomen tip. The abdomen may curve upward. [1]
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Females lay clusters of eggs beneath leaves. Yellow caterpillars marked with dark spots feed side by side, removing leaf tissue and leaving a network of veins. The species overwinters as a pupa. [1]
Groups of caterpillars leave the leaf’s veins behind as they eat. Those lacy remains explain the common name—but leaf damage alone is not a certain species identification. [1]
Explore reported Grapeleaf Skeletonizer sightings. Observation records show where people have documented this moth and are not a complete range map.
[1] UF/IFAS Extension — Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
Adult identification, host vines, grouped feeding, and life cycle.