Banded Achaea
Common NameBanded Achaea
Scientific NameAchaea catella
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, agricultural areas, gardens, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeAfrica, Arabian Peninsula, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Australia
Host PlantsRicinus communis, Ficus, Mangifera indica, Citrus, Gossypium, Zea mays
Flight PeriodThroughout the year in tropical regions, multiple broods elsewhere
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are semi-loopers, typically green or brown with pale stripes, feeding on a wide range of host plants before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the complex, mottled brown and gray forewing pattern and the striking dark hindwings with a broad, irregular white band.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic brown and gray forewings featuring wavy lines and dark markings, and dark hindwings with a prominent, jagged white median band and white fringe.
