Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Common NameEight-spotted Forester Moth
Scientific NameAlypia octomaculata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyAgaristinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, pale yellow, white, orange
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, parks, vineyards, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsgrape, Virginia creeper
Flight PeriodApril to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are striped with black, white, and orange, feeding on grape and Virginia creeper leaves. They pupate in a cocoon underground.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive black wings with four pale spots on each side (two yellow on forewing, two white on hindwing), bright orange tufts on the legs/shoulders, and its diurnal, darting flight.
Description
A striking, day-flying moth with velvety black wings, each forewing bearing two large pale yellow spots and each hindwing two smaller white spots. It has bright orange tufts on its legs and shoulders.
