Two-striped Ectypia
Common NameTwo-striped Ectypia
Scientific NameEctypia bivittata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsplantain (Plantago), dandelion (Taraxacum), various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bears' that feed on various low-growing plants. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the unique white thorax with two bright yellow stripes outlined in black, combined with the white forewings marked with scattered black spots. The hindwings are usually plain white or with a few faint spots.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a fuzzy white body and white forewings adorned with numerous irregular black spots. The most distinctive feature is the white thorax with two prominent longitudinal yellow stripes bordered in black.
