Texas Wasp Moth
Common NameTexas Wasp Moth
Scientific NameLymire edwardsii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown, iridescent blue-green
HabitatOpen woodlands, coastal plains, suburban gardens, and disturbed areas.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, primarily Florida, extending west to Texas and south into Mexico.
Host PlantsFicus, Cissus, Coccoloba uvifera, Syngonium podophyllum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (e.g., South Florida); multiple broods from spring to fall in more temperate areas.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, typically black with tufts of white or yellow hairs, and feed on a variety of broadleaf plants before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive wasp-like appearance, characterized by an orange and black striped body (often with iridescent blue-green bands), opaque brownish wings, and long antennae. Unlike many clearwing wasp mimics, its wings are fully scaled.
Description
This moth mimics a wasp, featuring a striking orange and black striped body, often with iridescent blue-green bands on the abdomen, and opaque, dull brownish-orange wings.
