The sheep moth, or common sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), is a member of the Saturniidae family of silk moths and is native to California west of the Sierran crest and the mountains of Southern California ranging near to the coast. The moth is dayflying and appears in summer. It feeds on plants of three genera: Ceanothus, Rhamnus (including coffeeberry), and Rosa. Nuttall's sheep moth and one other species are similar, occurring in sagebrush areas east of the Sierra Nevada.
The sheep moth has a 5.5-8.5 centimeter wingspan and a relatively slender body and (FW) wings that pink with a yellow streak in the middle and (HW) yellowish with variable black markings with an all-black form near Mount Shasta. The larva are black with branched yellowish spines that become orange in later development and an orange-brown head.
Famous quotes containing the words sheep and/or moth:
“The metaphor of the king as the shepherd of his people goes back to ancient Egypt. Perhaps the use of this particular convention is due to the fact that, being stupid, affectionate, gregarious, and easily stampeded, the societies formed by sheep are most like human ones.”
—Northrop Frye (b. 1912)
“Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 25:20.