Hypercompe scribonia

930323.00 — 8146 — Hypercompe scribonia (Stoll, 1790) — Giant Leopard Moth

Larval Host(s)

Presumed main host
on Block Island:

Known hosts:
unclear/unknown

Polyphagous

Remarks

This large species is one of the most boldly patterned and attractive moth species on the island, though the distal portion of the forewings are rubbed in all but the freshest specimens. Mature caterpillars are covered in long black spines and are bright red between segments, though they are harmless, and are frequently found wandering across grassy paths and lawns in spring and again from late summer to early fall.

References

  • Species Page at Moth Photographers Group
  • Barcode of Life (BOLD) - Caution: Some specimens shown may not be sequenced. DNA barcode provides evidence of relatedness not proof of identification.
  • Hall et al., 2021. The Moths of North Carolina - website (identification, habitats and life history)
  • Species Page at BugGuide