Thanks, Bill.

My critter may very well be a Spilosoma. If so, I was thrown off in MPG and bugguide by two aspects:

1. Few images of any of the Spilosoma show the dorsum of each abdominal segment so extensively orange with black centers (which I show in another image of this individual not uploaded); and,
2. All the available images of at least Spilosoma dubia are much more heavily marked than my critter.

Is there anything structurally or visible in photos which can distinguish Estigmene as a genus from Spilosoma, or is that distinction primarily genitalic?

Chuck,

There are many other moth experts...here on the guide...better able and suited to address your question.

Outwardly, members of the two Genera can be very similar in appearance. I do know S. virginica & S. dubia have yellow on the abdomens, as do Estigmene spp.

congrua

virginica


The moth in your images looks a bit worn. S. congrua is also highly variable in the degree of maculations (black spots).

I have some limited experience with a few of the Spilosoma species and as I recall (comparing specimens) they are smaller & their wings more compact (the wings of Spilosoma are also seemingly thinner and more fragile). It's also important to mention that the head & thorax in Spilosoma species are usually much "fuzzier" than seen in Estigmene species ...by comparison.

However, I may be wrong and still stand to be corrected in this assessment and explanation. Hope that helps.

Not S. virginica or Estigmene acrea.

My guess would be S. dubia

I noticed I put congrua over the dubia image, even after refering to dubia...brain poop

Thanks