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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.

Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth

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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.

Spotted Oleander Caterpillar

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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

Empyreuma pugione

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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

DistributionNative: The West Indies Invasive: United States, especially Florida
HabitatCoastal areas
Lifespan of Adults5 days
Host PlantsOleander
Adult DietDoes not feed

Did You Know

  • Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus first described this species in 1767.
Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth Picture

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Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth Image

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