Wild Forget-me-not Moth
Common NameWild Forget-me-not Moth
Scientific NameSyntomeida ipomoeae
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, pale green, blue, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas) and parts of the Caribbean
Host Plantsmorning glory (Ipomoea spp.), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, black with red spots and white tufts, feeding gregariously on morning glory leaves. They pupate in cocoons.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black wings with pale, translucent patches, iridescent blue abdomen, and orange collar. It is a day-flying moth often mistaken for a wasp due to its mimicry.
Description
A medium-sized day-flying moth with black wings adorned with prominent, somewhat translucent pale green or white patches. It features an iridescent dark blue abdomen and a distinctive orange collar behind its head.
