eight-spotted forester moth

eight-spotted forester moth (Alypia octomaculata)
Photo © Illinois Department of Natural Resources

FEATURES
The eight-spotter forester moth has a wingspan of about one and one-fourth to one and one-half inches. The upperside of the wings is black with large white or cream-yellow spots. Orange coloration is present on the front and middle legs.

BEHAVIORS
Found statewide, this species is active during daylight hours from March through July. It lives in open areas and woodland edges where it feeds on nectar. The larva feeds on Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and other plants of the grape family. One generation is produced per year. Overwintering is in the chrysalis stage.

​Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Noctuidae

​common, native