Painted Handmaiden Moth
Common NamePainted Handmaiden Moth
Scientific NameAmata huebneri
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, red, blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses, lichens
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants before pupating in a cocoon. Adults are diurnal and often seen flying during the day.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive combination of black wings with large yellow-orange hyaline patches, a red head, and a black abdomen with prominent red and iridescent blue bands. It is a day-flying moth, often mistaken for a wasp due to its aposematic coloration.
Description
This is a striking day-flying moth with a black body, bright red and iridescent blue bands on its abdomen, and a red head. Its black wings feature prominent, semi-transparent yellow-orange patches and small iridescent blue spots near the wing bases.
