Orange-spotted Flower Moth (Syngamia florella)
This stunning moth is a true gem of the insect world. With its dark brown wings adorned with yellow patches and a striking red abdomen featuring two narrow bluish bands, it’s a sight to behold. That is if you look close enough. With a wingspan of about 15 mm they can easily be overlooked..
Habitat: Found from South Carolina to Florida and from Arkansas to Texas, this moth also makes its home in the West Indies, Mexico, and even Argentina1.
Diet: The adult moths love to visit flowers, including dotted horsemint seen in this photo.
Flight Season: While these butterflies migrate to northern areas during the warmer months, we can find them in Florida year-round.Next time you’re out in a weedy or brushy area, keep an eye out for these small and beautiful moths.
Photo credit: Aymee Laurain
