Salt Marsh Moth
Common NameSalt Marsh Moth
Scientific NameEstigmene acrea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, orange, yellow
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, agricultural areas, salt marshes
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico), Central America, Caribbean
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, alfalfa, corn, cotton, cabbage, sunflower
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as 'woollybears,' are densely covered in black and reddish-brown hairs. They are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants before pupating in a silken cocoon mixed with their hairs.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of white, black-spotted wings and a prominent orange or yellow abdomen with black spots. The fuzzy white thorax and head are also distinctive.
Description
This moth has fuzzy white body and wings, with numerous irregular black spots on the forewings. The hindwings are typically white with fewer spots, and the abdomen is orange or yellow with black markings.
