Summary ²

The Grapeleaf Skeletonizer, Harrisina americana is a moth in the family Zygaenidae. It is widespread in the eastern half of the United States, and commonly noticed defoliating grapes, especially of the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). The western grapeleaf skeletonizer, Harrisina brillians is very similar to and slightly larger than H. americana, but their distributions are different. Members of this family all produce hydrogen cyanide, a potent antipredator toxin.

Additional photos ³

Click here to see additional photo records : http://inaturalist.ca/observations?project_id=17307&place_id=any&verifiable=any&captive=any&taxon_id=126905

Sources and Credits

1. (c) jeffsmallwood, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffsmallwood/250143541/
2. Adapted by Chris Cheatle from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrisina_americana
3. (c) Chris Cheatle, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• BugGuide
• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• CUIC Insect Images
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• Maryland Biodiversity Project
• Maryland Moths
• Mass Moths
• Moth Photographers Group
• Moths of North Carolina
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• Pacific Northwest Moths

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