Eight-spotted Forester

Eight-spotted Forester

Alypia octomaculata
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)

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This moth has a wingspan of approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. The forewings are black with 2 conspicuous pale yellow oval- shaped spots. The hindwings are also black with 2 showy white spots. The front and middle legs are covered with bright orange hairs.

 

This is a common moth in the summer. It can be seen nectaring at flowers.

 

The caterpillar is 3/4 inches in length. The head is orange with black spots. The body banded black and white with interspersed orange bands and black spots. When disturbed, the larvae vomit an orange fluid. The larval food plants are ampelopsis, grape and Virginia creeper.

 

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