crotalaria pod borer
Common Namecrotalaria pod borer
Scientific NameUtetheisa ornatrix
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, coastal dunes, gardens, and areas with host plants.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Host PlantsCrotalaria, Heliotropium
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate zones.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as rattlebox caterpillars, feed on Crotalaria species, sequestering pyrrolizidine alkaloids which make them unpalatable to predators. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive orange and black spotted pattern. Often active during the day and found in areas where its Crotalaria host plants grow.
Description
This is a brightly colored moth with a striking pattern of orange forewings covered in numerous irregular black spots. Its body is also orange with black markings.
