Tolype velleda

Tolype velleda
Adult male
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Lasiocampidae
Genus:	Tolype
Species:	T. velleda
Binomial name
Tolype velleda (Stoll, 1791)
Synonyms
Phalaena Bombyx velleda Stoll, [1790] Tolype candidatus Cassino, 1928

Tolype velleda, the large tolype moth or velleda lappet moth, is a species of moth of the family Lasiocampidae. It was first described by Caspar Stoll in 1791. The species is found from Nova Scotia to central Florida, west to Texas and north to Ontario. Also found in the California Mountains. Out of the United States, they can also be found in low and littoral areas of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa from Egypt to the Atlantic coast of Morocco.

The wingspan is 32–58 mm. The females are larger than the males. Males have whitish veins and a broad dark gray subterminal band on their forewings. The hindwings are dark gray, either with or without a whitish median band. Females have similar markings, but are paler and less contrasting. When the wings are opened, they appear to be dark gray with, wavy bands running across. When the wings are closed, the white lines become less visible, but the pattern is still there and remains the same. Adults are on wing from June to November in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on various broadleaf trees and shrubs, including Malus, Fraxinus, Populus, Tilia, Fagus, Betula, Prunus, and Quercus species. The larvae can be identified by its dull gray color, and a flap that is present on its pro legs that disappears as it matures. Larvae can be found from June to August.

Common host plants of the Tolype Velleda are apple, plum, cherry, apricot, almond, birch, poplar, oak, beech, and citrus trees. Eggs are placed on leaves of host plants. Feeding is most active in summer months.