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California oak moth

Phryganidia californica

CA Special Concern

California Species of Special Concern

Plants that support California oak moth

5 plants

Blue oak

Quercus douglasii

high

tree

Larvae defoliate oaks in outbreak years; spring emergence Mar-May

Bay Area nativeKeystone species

California Black Oak

Quercus kelloggii

high

tree

Larval host plant; major defoliator of coast live oak and related species during Mar-May outbreaks

Bay Area nativeKeystone species

California Live-oak

Quercus chrysolepis

high

tree

Major larval host; caterpillar defoliation Apr-Jun; can reach outbreak densities

Bay Area nativeKeystone species

Valley Oak

Quercus lobata

high

tree

Major defoliator; larval period Mar-May; can cause heavy leaf loss

Bay Area nativeKeystone species

Western Chinkapin

Chrysolepis chrysophylla var. minor

high

tree

Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on new foliage Apr-May

Bay Area native