Home / Erebidae Moths / Echo Moth (Seirarctia echo)

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.

Echo Moth

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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.

Echo Moth Caterpillar

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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

Seirarctia echo

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Egg

The small, round yellowish eggs are laid close to the host plant.

Echo Moth Egg

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Quick Facts

DistributionThe United States, primarily Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi
HabitatOpen areas, scrublands, and thickets
Lifespan of AdultsNot recorded
PredatorsBirds, bats
Host PlantsCabbage palmetto, coontie, crotons, lupine, oak, and persimmon
Adult DietDoes 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.
Echo Moth Image

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Echo Moth Picture

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