Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth
Syntomeida epilais (Walker, 1854)


Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Identification: Wings dark metallic blue with white spots. Body metallic blue; abdomen has a pair of white spots at base, and a red tip.
Wing Span: 4.2 - 5.2 cm.
Life History: Like most wasp moths, this moth is a day-flier.
Flight:
Caterpillar Hosts: Larva (Oleander Caterpillar) is a pest of cultivated oleander. Also feeds on devil's potato.
Adult Food:
Habitat:
Range: Neotropical. The N. American subspecies is S. epilais jucundissima, which is locally common in all but northwest Florida in all months.
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs: