This species is found in southwestern parts of the united states; from California east to Texas and from Colorado south to northern Mexico. Adults are jet black with a bluish sheen and active during the day. Their lackadaisical flight is a indicator of their chemical protection but their long wings and elongate abdomen, coloration and sheen make them easily mistakable for sympatric species of wasps in flight.
Larvae feed on grape (Vitis, especially V. arizonica) and accept creeper (Parthenocissus sp.). Gregarious early instars feed side by side on the underside of grape leaves. The patterns of skeletonization are characteristic and a useful search image in the field. Later instar larvae are unmistakable; vibrant sweet corn yellow with two bold blue bands and dark black setal clusters forming more bands around the body. Contact with larval setae results in a mild dermatalogical reaction (rash and welt development as well as some pruritus) which would elevate in severity with increased number of larvae.
Mid and late instar larvae defoliate host plants and breakouts of Harrisina metallica can have devastating effects on vineyards. This species has been listed as a pest in CA.
Harrisina metallica, the western grapeleaf skeletonizer, is a species of moth of the family Zygaenidae. It is found in the Southwestern United States, from California to Texas, north to Colorado and Utah and in northern Mexico.
The wingspan is 22–30 millimetres (0.87–1.18 in). Adults are on wing from April to October depending on the location.
The larvae feed on grapes[1] and species of Parthenocissus. Some choose to call these larvae "grape worms" because of their impeccable taste for such a sweet fruit they're laid upon by their parents. The caterpillar also have stinging hairs that can cause rash or allergic reaction.
They are in fact natures pest to precious to many grape vineyards affecting the crops yield for the season.
The problem can be simply taken care of by bacteria-based insecticide, organically certified.
Harrisina metallica, the western grapeleaf skeletonizer, is a species of moth of the family Zygaenidae. It is found in the Southwestern United States, from California to Texas, north to Colorado and Utah and in northern Mexico.
The wingspan is 22–30 millimetres (0.87–1.18 in). Adults are on wing from April to October depending on the location.
The larvae feed on grapes and species of Parthenocissus. Some choose to call these larvae "grape worms" because of their impeccable taste for such a sweet fruit they're laid upon by their parents. The caterpillar also have stinging hairs that can cause rash or allergic reaction.
They are in fact natures pest to precious to many grape vineyards affecting the crops yield for the season.
The problem can be simply taken care of by bacteria-based insecticide, organically certified.
A group of Harrisina metallica larvae skeletonizing a leaf
