Insects · La Saladita, Guerrero

Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Atteva aurea

Spanish: Polilla pintada

Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea)
Photographed by vctrndr on iNaturalist

The ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea) is an ermine moth now found commonly in the United States. It was formerly known under the scientific name Atteva punctella (see Taxonomy section). This small, very colorful moth resembles a true bug or beetle when not in flight, but in flight it resembles a wasp. Most often recorded in May, Jun.

TaxonomyInsecta › Lepidoptera › Attevidae
Local records2 research-grade observations within about 50 km of La Saladita (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones)
Global records65,950 on iNaturalist
Recorded here2022 – 2023
Months recorded near La Saladita
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Recent local sightings

Interactive card with more photos, sounds and similar species Insects guide iNaturalist Wikipedia

Cite as: “Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea) at La Saladita”, La Saladita Field Guide, lasaladita.com/species/atteva-aurea/, updated 2026-09-26. Observation counts and months come from iNaturalist research-grade records within about 50 km of 17.8375°N, 101.7606°W (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones); summary text from Wikipedia where present.