A. Hartii

The hartii and pernyi moths are actually the same species, with the pernyi having a lighter form - it coloration is a lighter tan. Its larva are voracious feeders of oak. They spin a very nice white cocoon that is shaped like a small egg, sometimes using leaves to cover the silk. They overwinter in cocoons.

As with all Saturniidae moths, the hartii does all its eating in the larva stage. The adult moth has no mouth and cannot eat.

Click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger picture.
These are a picture of some second and third instar hartii larva.
Here is a hartii 3rd instar catrerpillar shedding its skin. Note that the shell around its head has fallen off. He's about half done in this picture.