Spanish Moth
Common NameSpanish Moth
Scientific NameXanthopastis timais
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyAgaristinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorspale pink, black, orange
HabitatGardens, disturbed areas, tropical and subtropical regions where host plants are abundant.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Gulf Coast), Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Host PlantsCrinum, Hymenocallis, Narcissus, Hippeastrum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate parts of its range.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctively striped in black, white, and yellow/orange, feeding gregariously on plants of the Amaryllidaceae family, sometimes considered pests of ornamental lilies. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of pale pinkish-cream, black, and orange markings on the forewings, along with the very hairy black thorax. The brightly striped caterpillars are also highly recognizable.
Description
This moth has pale pinkish-cream forewings strikingly marked with irregular black spots and bands, often featuring bright orange accents near the outer margin and a central reniform spot. Its body is densely covered in black, shaggy hairs.
