four o'clock moth
Common Namefour o'clock moth
Scientific NameDysphania militaris
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyAganainae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsblue, orange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsMacaranga
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical regions)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are caterpillars that feed on specific host plants, primarily *Macaranga* species, before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its vivid iridescent blue and light blue spotted wings combined with a bright orange and black-striped body. It is active during the day, unlike many moths.
Description
This striking diurnal moth features iridescent dark blue wings adorned with bright light blue spots, contrasting sharply with its vibrant orange head, thorax, and abdomen, which is striped with black.
