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Polka-Dot Wasp Moth

Syntomeida epilais

Description:

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais) - approx. 1 inch long - spotted in Key Largo, Florida.

Habitat:

The Polka-Dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais) is a species of moth thought to be native to the Caribbean. The species is also called the Oleander Moth after the Oleander plant, from which its young feed. Like most wasp moths, these moths are day fliers. They prefer neotropic areas, to which they are native. The North American subspecies is S. epilais jucundissima, which is locally common in all areas of Florida, and has been seen as far north as Savannah, GA They are dark metallic blue with a couple of white polka-dots dotting the wings and upper abdomen. The tip of the moth's abdomen is bright red; it looks like a very dangerous wasp, but in fact is a harmless moth.The caterpillars are orange or dark orange with long black hairs. The caterpillars look dangerous, but the setae do not inflict any harm. The larvae stage of the Polka-Dot wasp moth, commonly called the Oleander caterpillar, is widely known for its gluttonous appetite. The caterpillar feeds in almost any location (excepting California) where its food, the Oleander plant, can be found. They are gregarious and can cause damage from minor to severe. (Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntomeida_...)

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3 Comments

LarryGraziano
LarryGraziano 12 years ago

this is a beauty! Perfect representation of the color blue!

auntnance123
auntnance123 12 years ago

How very nice--one of my faorites.

Carolina
Carolina 12 years ago

What a beauty!

JackEng
Spotted by
JackEng

Florida, USA

Spotted on Jan 5, 2012
Submitted on Jan 5, 2012

Related Spottings

Polka Moth Oleander Caterpillar Polka dot wasp moth Wasp Moth

Nearby Spottings

Spiny Orb Weaver eastern Screech-Owl White-crowned Pigeon Northern Cardinal

Reference

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