Yellow-collared Scape Moth

Description:

Adult: forewing dark brown or black; collar orange, occasionally yellow; thorax black; abdomen black, sometimes with blue iridescence; antennae pectinate hindwing black with large translucent patch in discal area; translucent patch may appear pale grayish, bluish, or white, depending on lighting often confused with Virginia Ctenucha and Grapeleaf Skeletonizer [see distinguishing features of those species in See Also section below] Larva: hairy, whitish or pale yellow, with tufts of long hair springing from oval or round spots along body; hairs near head longer, usually blackish and projecting forward beyond front of head; head yellow to brownish-orange with black spots on face; dark dorsal and dorsolateral lines along body (may be obscured by hair)

Habitat:

Fields with flowers. Adults commonly seen visiting flowers during the day; adults also fly at night, and are attracted to light.Widespread in North America, including southeastern US, where Virginia Ctenucha is absent.