Common Spragueia Moth
Common NameCommon Spragueia Moth
Scientific NameSpragueia dama
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyEustrotiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsragweed (Ambrosia spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) which feeds on host plants, pupa, and adult moth.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive and bold pattern of orange, black, and white bands on the forewings and thorax, with the hindwings being mostly dark.
Description
A small, stout-bodied moth with a striking pattern of broad orange, black, and white bands across its forewings and body, giving it a somewhat tiger-striped appearance.
