Melese intensa
Common NameMelese intensa
Scientific NameMelese intensa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, humid lowlands
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host Plantslichens, mosses, broadleaf plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar, often hairy), pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically polyphagous, feeding on lichens, mosses, or various plants.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intense orange-red base color, irregular yellow-orange spotting, and the two distinct white spots on the forewings. Often found in humid forest environments.
Description
A vibrant orange-red moth with numerous irregular yellow-orange spots across its wings and two prominent white spots on each forewing. Its body is also orange.
