Japanese Nine-spotted Moth
Common NameJapanese Nine-spotted Moth
Scientific NameAmata fortunei
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China)
Host PlantsPlantago spp., Taraxacum spp., various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, developing into hairy caterpillars that feed on various herbaceous plants. After pupation in a cocoon, the adult moth emerges.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the black wings with specific white/pale blue spot patterns, the striking orange-banded abdomen, and its diurnal, wasp-mimicking flight behavior.
Description
This day-flying moth features black wings with distinct white to pale blue spots, and a black abdomen prominently marked with bright orange or yellow bands.
