Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth (Empyreuma pugione)
The spotted oleander caterpillar moth is a member of the family of Erebidae moths found in the West Indies.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Empyreuma
- Scientific Name: Empyreuma pugione
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The caterpillar is light orange and covered in setae. There are several rows of silver spots along its back.
Pupa
It is dark reddish-brown and 16mm long. The cocoon is made up of larval hair and silk threads.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. The males have longer antennae.
Color and Appearance
Forewings: When the wings are open, they are light chocolate brown with a thin border of deeper brown. When the wings are closed, they are similarly brown.
Hindwings: When the wings are open, a carmine-red color is observed, covered with a fringe border of brown. When the wings are closed, the colors remain.
Average wingspan: 43–48 mm
Flight pattern: Diurnal
Season: Spring
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Egg
They start pearly-white becoming yellow as they come closer to hatching. Spherical in shape, these eggs are 1mm in diameter.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | Native: The West Indies Invasive: United States, especially Florida |
| Habitat | Coastal areas |
| Lifespan of Adults | 5 days |
| Host Plants | Oleander |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus first described this species in 1767.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Empyreuma
- Scientific Name: Empyreuma pugione
