Spanish Moth (Xanthopastis timais)
The Spanish Moth, or convict caterpillar as known as a larva, is a member of the family of noctuid moths. It is incredibly colorful, with both the adult and larval stages having a unique appearance.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Noctuidae
- Genus: Xanthopastis
- Scientific Name: Xanthopastis timais
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae are black, covered with white bands. Its head, prolegs, and rump are orange. There are two eyespots on the head and posterior end, respectively. It goes through 6 instars and 17 days of feeding, measuring about 5 cm.
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Pupa
It is black, similar to other noctuid moths. This stage lasts for 19 days.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance: Its body is black and hairy.
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they appear rosy-pink and black, with the orange spots along the wings’ veins being more prominent. When the wings are closed, the colors and patterns are less visible but darker in tone.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened and closed, they have a pale grayish color.
Average wingspan: 39–45 mm
Flight pattern: January to early June; September to December
Season: Not recorded
Egg
They are yellow and round, with several hundred of them laid under the leaves of host plants in every cluster.
Quick Facts
| Other Names | Convict caterpillar (larval form) |
| Distribution | South and Central America, the Caribbean, and northern Argentina |
| Habitat | Variable |
| Predators | Birds |
| Lifespan of Adults | 8-10 days |
| Host Plants | Figs, spider lily, hibiscus, daffodils |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
This moth was previously recorded in North America, but those appearances have been attributed to Xanthopastis regnatrix, a different species.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Noctuidae
- Genus: Xanthopastis
- Scientific Name: Xanthopastis timais
