And tropical they are, except for the AWM (Ailanthus webworm moth, not “angry white men”), which has shed some of its southern proclivities. Ailanthus webworms are slender, brown to almost black, and sometimes have four white dots on the top of each segment. When stationary, the insect resembles a true bug or beetle. The wings are held tight against the body when not in flight. The ailanthus webworm, Atteva aurea, is the immature stage of an ermine moth, a small (1 / 2 inch), yellow-orange insect traversed by four blue-black bands marked with conspicuous white spots on the wings. And tropical they are, except for the AWM (Ailanthus webworm moth, not “ angry white men ”), which has shed some of its southern proclivities. Ailanthus webworm moths (Atteva aurea) are flying to porch lights in southwest Ohio. Ailanthus webworm moths (Atteva aurea) (“aurea” means “golden”) are in the family Attevidae, the tropical ermine moths. When in flight, it appears similar to a wasp. They are considered good pollinators. Except for populations native to southern Florida, ailanthus webworm moths came from Central and South America, where they feed on a tree that is closely related to the tree-of-heaven. It is most recognized for its distinct coloration, and unique body. This mite is less than a half inch long and has a wingspan of roughly an inch. One of the prettiest insects that can currently be seen in your garden is an extremely small moth named the ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea). Caterpillars of this ermine moth (Family Yponomeutidae) feed exclusively on the non-native, highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Adults are active in the daytime and can be seen from early spring in warmer regions through autumn in northern regions. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up in beauty.… In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful moths found in Ohio both because of their coloration and because of what their caterpillars eat. Ailanthus webworm is considered a minor pest in nurseries, and landscape settings, where it causes minor defoliation on … The caterpillars make loose webs on their food plants and live inside them. Ailanthus webworm moths (Atteva aurea) (“aurea” means “golden”) are in the family Attevidae, the tropical ermine moths. Larvae and their webs are usually seen on plants in late summer and autumn. Ailanthus Webworm Moths are migratory, spending winter in the southern part of their range. Ailanthus webworm is a member of the bagworm moth family.