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Scientific Name Hemileuca eglanterina Common Name Western Sheepmoth Habitat Montane meadows and open woodlands. In AB, only found from Waterton N.P. north to the Crowsnest Pass Seasonality These moths are day-flying, and are found primarily between late June and mid July. Identification

No other species in Alberta has the distinctive pink and yellow wings with black markings. The extent of the black markings is extremely variable, ranging from being almost absent to entirely black. The Sagebrush…

No other species in Alberta has the distinctive pink and yellow wings with black markings. The extent of the black markings is extremely variable, ranging from being almost absent to entirely black. The Sagebrush Sheepmoth has a similar pattern, but lacks the pink and yellow colour.

Read More + Life History This species is thought to have a two-year life cycle in Alberta, overwintering first as an egg and again the second year as a pupa. These moths have a very rapid flight and are usually difficult to observe. Conservation The Western Sheepmoth has a very limited distribution in AB and may be sensitive to land use changes Diet Info McGugan (1958) states the main hosts are wild rose and ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor), which is not known to occur in Alberta. Other known hosts that do occur in AB include willow, Vine Maple, birch and aspen. Range Southern B.C. and extreme southeastern Alberta southward throughout the western U.S.