Crimson-speckled Flunkey
Common NameCrimson-speckled Flunkey
Scientific NameUtetheisa pulchella
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, red, black, orange
HabitatOpen grassy areas, meadows, scrubland, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWidespread in the Old World tropics and subtropics (southern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia), migrating into temperate regions.
Host PlantsHeliotropium, Myosotis, Echium, Crotalaria, Plantago, Senecio
Flight PeriodYear-round in warm climates; spring to autumn in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, dark grey with yellow stripes and red spots, feeding on various host plants. They pupate in a loose cocoon on the ground or among leaf litter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive white forewings with a unique pattern of irregular crimson and black spots. The yellowish-orange head and thorax with black spots are also key features.
Description
This moth features white forewings adorned with irregular, prominent crimson and black spots. Its hindwings are pale greyish-white with a broad dark band along the outer margin, and its head and thorax are yellowish-orange with black spots.
