Red-headed Pygarctia Moth
Common NameRed-headed Pygarctia Moth
Scientific NamePygarctia abdominalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, red, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, scrublands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (from Maryland south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, legumes
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs hatch into hairy caterpillars that feed on herbaceous plants, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the pure white wings and body, combined with a distinctly bright red head and black antennae and legs.
Description
A small, striking moth characterized by its pure white, fuzzy wings and body, contrasted by a bright red head and black antennae and legs.
