Whenever I see an Ailanthus Webworm moth (Atteva aurea), I assume that it is some kind of beetle. It is hard to believe that the colorful patterns are actually part of the wings and not a hard exterior shell. I spotted this beautiful little moth on some goldenrod last week while exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The pattern on this insect’s body reminds me of an animal print. Wouldn’t it be cool to have fabric printed with this bold pattern? I can imagine throw pillows and even fashion accessories. From a marketing perspective, though, I think we would have to come up with a new name for the insect—a name like “webworm” probably would not attract many customers.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love these little guys. I often find them on my boneset.
Very Nice Mike! They are fun to photograph and are an interesting photo subject!
I agree the patterns and colors would make awesome fabric! It looks a little Halloweeny! 🎃
Benjamin and I have seen this little guy on more than one of our Adventuring expeditions, always a treat! More often we noticed the caterpillars that this moth comes from in their webby nets on the young trees commonly known as Tree-of-Heaven. That is a misnomer for sure! You most likely know that the moth obtained its name from the tree’s scientific name Ailanthus because of its preference for it. You will know that tree by many things, none more so than the smell of the branches, leaves and flowers…as Benjamin says : “Yucky!” Whilst the Ailanthus Webworm Moth is a good pollinator, the tree is considered invasive everywhere and is very hard to get rid of too. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Wow. Thanks for all of the additional information. I read about the Tree of Heaven, but had no idea what it was. I have only seen these little insects on goldenrod.
Beautiful, Mike. The pattern and colors remind me of Southwestern native pottery or West African prints.
Wonderful photograph of a really colorful moth! Very smart to have him pose on the goldenrod.
(Marketing thought: “Worldwide Webworm Wear” – “For all the cool nerds in your life.”)
I’m picturing wool blanket, Mike. It is stunning.
It’s a cool morning today–I could us a wool blanket in that pattern. 🙂
Very nice patterns and colours on that moth! It reminds me of African cloth.