Zella's Euchaetes
Common NameZella's Euchaetes
Scientific NameEuchaetes zella
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, red, pale yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States
Host Plantsdogbane, milkweed
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically hairy, feeding on herbaceous plants like dogbane and milkweed, and pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown wings with a pale discal spot and the distinctive bright red/orange head and thoracic markings.
Description
This moth has dark brown forewings, each featuring a small, pale yellowish discal spot. Its head and a triangular patch on the thorax are conspicuously bright red or orange.
