Pink Prominent
Common NamePink Prominent
Scientific NameHyparpax aurora
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorspink, yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, beech
Flight PeriodApril to August (one or two broods depending on latitude)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with white stripes and feed on the foliage before pupating in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil over winter, emerging as adults in spring.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its unique and vivid pink and yellow coloration on the wings and body. The distinct pattern of pink bands on a yellow background is unmistakable among North American moths.
Description
This is a strikingly colored moth with a fuzzy, bright pink head and thorax. Its forewings feature broad, irregular bands of vibrant pink and pale yellow, while the hindwings are typically paler pink.
