Eight Spotted Forester Moth (Alypia octomaculata)
Eight Spotted Forester moth is a member of the owlet moth family. Unlike most moths, it is diurnal, which leads to it getting mistaken for a butterfly. It has two known subspecies – Alypia octomaculata octomaculata and Alypia octomaculata matuta.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Noctuidae
- Genus: Alypia
- Scientific Name: Alypia octomaculata
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
It is a fleshy grub, with orange bands present at each segment, covered with black dots. In between each segment, there are alternating thin black and white bands. The entire body is covered with thin white whiskers.
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Pupa
The pupa overwinters inside the cracks of logs.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance:
Its body is black, except for its pale-yellow tegulae and orange middle, and front legs.
Eight patches are visible when its wings are opened, four (two on each side) on the hindwings and four on the forewings. The spots on the hindwings appear yellow, while those on the hindwings are white. Only four patches can be seen when closed – two on the forewings and two on the hindwings.
Average wingspan: 30–37 mm
Flight pattern: Consistent
Season: 1st generation from April to June; 2nd generation in August
Egg
Females lay eggs in the summer.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | Eastern United States, parts of Canada and Mexico |
| Habitat | Wooded areas and open areas |
| Lifespan of Adults | 2-3 months |
| Host Plants | Virginia Creeper |
| Adult Diet | Nectar of flowers |
Did You Know
- Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius first named this species in 1775.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Noctuidae
- Genus: Alypia
- Scientific Name: Alypia octomaculata
