Castor Hairy Caterpillar Moth
Common NameCastor Hairy Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameOlepa ricini
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, forests, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsRicinus communis, Gossypium, Helianthus annuus, Zea mays, Arachis hypogaea
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple generations in tropical climates)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are highly polyphagous, known as 'hairy caterpillars' due to their dense covering of long, irritating hairs, and can cause significant defoliation. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the dull brown, spotted forewings and the bright orange and black banded abdomen, which is often visible even when the moth is at rest. The hairy caterpillars are also very distinctive.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dull brown forewings covered in numerous irregular dark brown spots. The abdomen is conspicuously orange with prominent black bands, and the hindwings (often hidden at rest) are also orange with black spots.
