Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Bella Moth
Utetheisa ornatrix (Linnaeus, 1758)


Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Identification: Wing pattern variable but distinctive; the only moth in eastern North America with a pink and yellow forewing marked with rows of white-ringed black spots. Hindwing pink with uneven black border.
Wing Span: 3-4.4 cm.
Life History: Breeds continuously in southern United States. A conspicuous day-flier.
Flight: July and September northward.
Caterpillar Hosts: Legumes such as crotalaria, lespedeza, and lupines. Also elm trees, fireweed, Prunus species, and sweetgale.
Adult Food:
Habitat:
Range: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs:
Comments: NULL