Charybdis Firetip
Common NameCharybdis Firetip
Scientific NameCosmosoma myrodora
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, red, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Caribbean
Host Plantsdogfennel, mistflower, various Asteraceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in warm climates, summer to fall elsewhere
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on various Asteraceae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, leading to multiple generations annually.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright red head, black body, dark wings with white margins, and a red tip on the abdomen, distinguishing it from other wasp mimics.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its bright red head, slender black body, and dark, slightly iridescent wings with a prominent white fringe. The abdomen often ends in a red tuft.
