Species Diphthera festiva - Hieroglyphic Moth - Hodges#8560

8560

Diphthera festiva (Fabricius)

Orig. Comb: Bombyx festiva Fabricius 1775

* phylogenetic sequence #931120.1 (1)

"Hieroglyphic Moth" taken from Cramer's synonym.

Monotypic genus

Wingspan 37-48 mm

Larva length to 45 mm

Adult: forewing lemon yellow with elaborate pattern of metallic bluish-gray lines and three rows of dots parallel to external margin; pronotum lemon yellow with metallic bluish-gray lines; abdomen black; hindwing dark gray with pale hairs along edges

Larva: white or cream with series of transverse black bands on dorsal side (3 or 4 bands per segment, one of these bands is more conspicuous); transverse bands end in ventrolateral longitudinal black stripe below spiracles, which resemble small black dots; ventral portion of abdomen white with black thoracic and abdominal legs; head capsule and anal plate orangish-red

[adapted from description at U. of Florida]

AZ, TX-FL-NC / W. Indies / Mex. to S. Amer. - Map - mostly along broad coastal plain - (MPG)

Jun-Nov (BG data)

Larvae from late summer through fall

Larvae have been reported on a variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees in thirteen families (see Host Plants section)

Larvae have potential to become pests of crops such as pecan, soybean, and sweet potato.

Larvae are apparently toxic; birds have been observed feeding on the larvae and immediately spitting them out (see U. of Florida page)

Moth Photographers Group - MPG

Featured Creatures - James C. Dunford and Kathryn A. Barbara, University of Florida, 2004

Catalog of the Lepidoptera of the French Antilles - Pierre Zagatti et al.