Langton's Forester
Common NameLangton's Forester
Scientific NameAlypia octomaculata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyAgaristinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, parks, suburban areas, vineyards
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsVitis spp. (grape), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Flight PeriodApril to June, July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are striped black, white, and orange, feeding primarily on grape and Virginia creeper. They pupate in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil, with adults emerging in spring and summer.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of black wings with white spots, bright orange leg tufts, and a yellow collar. Its diurnal, darting flight often causes it to be mistaken for a butterfly.
Description
A medium-sized, day-flying moth with velvety black wings, each forewing bearing two prominent white spots and each hindwing a single large white spot. It features a distinctive yellow band behind its head and bright orange, fuzzy tufts on its legs and 'shoulders'.
