Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Utetheisa ornatrix & Utetheisa bella were formerly considered separate species; now they are considered subspecies (Utetheisa ornatrix ornatrix and Utetheisa ornatrix bella, respectively) of a single species.
Identification
Adult: forewing variably pink or yellow with rows of white-ringed black spots
hindwing pink with uneven black border
Larva: orangish-brown with broad irregular black bands on each segment, and distinct white spots on anterior and posterior margins of black bands
Range
mostly Eastern North America: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Arizona, north to Minnesota and Ontario
also occurs south through Central America to northern South America
See Also
Ornate moth (U. ornatrix ornatrix) is similar but forewing is more whitish with fewer black spots; appears more washed out.
Contributed by
Anita Gould on 18 April, 2006 - 1:36pm
Last updated 18 April, 2006 - 3:10pm
