California oak moth
Phryganidia californica
insectView on iNaturalist
CA Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Plants that support California oak moth
5 plants
Blue oak
Quercus douglasii
tree
Larvae defoliate oaks in outbreak years; spring emergence Mar-May
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
California Black Oak
Quercus kelloggii
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
tree
Major larval host; caterpillar defoliation Apr-Jun; can reach outbreak densities
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
Valley Oak
Quercus lobata
tree
Major defoliator; larval period Mar-May; can cause heavy leaf loss
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
Western Chinkapin
Chrysolepis chrysophylla var. minor
tree
Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on new foliage Apr-May
Bay Area native