White-spotted Melanchroia
Common NameWhite-spotted Melanchroia
Scientific NameMelanchroia aterea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyPericopinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Ecuador)
Host Plantsvarious broadleaf plants (specifics not well documented)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are typically hairy.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark wings with a single, large white spot on each forewing and hindwing, combined with white wing margins and reddish-orange markings on the head/thorax. Often active during the day.
Description
A medium-sized moth with deep dark blue to black wings, each featuring a single prominent white spot. The wing margins are thinly outlined in white, and the head and collar area display reddish-orange markings.
