Black-banded Wasp Moth
Common NameBlack-banded Wasp Moth
Scientific NameCosmosoma myrodora
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Central America, South America
Host PlantsEchites umbellata
Flight PeriodMarch to November (year-round in tropical regions)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically hairy and feed on specific host plants before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black and orange/blue banded abdomen, the mostly transparent black wings with prominent yellow spots, and black antennae often tipped with white. It is diurnal and mimics wasps in appearance and flight.
Description
This moth features a slender, black body with a striking abdomen banded in bright orange and iridescent dark blue/black. Its wings are mostly transparent black with several distinct yellow-cream spots on both forewings and hindwings.
