Echo Moth (Seirarctia echo)
The echo moth belonging to the family of Erebidae moths, is the sole member of its genus Seirarctia. English botanist Sir James Edward Smith first described this species in 1797.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Seirarctia
- Scientific Name: Seirarctia echo
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
They are bright fiery orange, with their bodies covered in black and yellow bands and possessing bright white spiracles.
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Pupa
After reaching their final instar, the larvae undergo pupation.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewings: When the wings are opened, they are white and covered with golden vein-like stripes. When the wings are closed, these stripes remain visible.
Hindwings: When the wings are opened, they are entirely white. When the wings are closed, they are no longer visible.
Average Wingspan: 4.5 cm
Flight Pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
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Egg
The small, round yellowish eggs are laid close to the host plant.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | The United States, primarily Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi |
| Habitat | Open areas, scrublands, and thickets |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Predators | Birds, bats |
| Host Plants | Cabbage palmetto, coontie, crotons, lupine, oak, and persimmon |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- These caterpillars are a common sight at the Florida campus of Stetson University, where they are commonly referred to as “haterpillars”. This is a reference to the school’s baseball team, the Stetson Hatters baseball team.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Seirarctia
- Scientific Name: Seirarctia echo
