Teda Wasp Moth
Common NameTeda Wasp Moth
Scientific NamePhoenicoprocta teda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas)
Host PlantsEupatorium, Lantana
Flight PeriodYear-round in Florida, spring to fall in other regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically hairy caterpillars that feed on herbaceous plants before pupating into adults.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of dark brown forewings with pale spots, red hindwings (often visible), and antennae with distinct white tips. Its wasp-like appearance and flight behavior are also key identifiers.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings adorned with several pale cream or yellow rectangular spots. Its hindwings are predominantly red with dark margins, and its antennae are dark with striking white tips.
