User:GothMoths/Empyreuma affinis

The Spotted Oleander Wasp Moth (Empyreuma affinis Rothschild) is a moth in the family Erebidae, specifically in the subfamily of Arctiinae, designated to the Tiger and Lichen Moths.

Life cycle
Caterpillars are seen in yards, cities and other planted areas in Southern Florida. They are active year-round. (Wagner, 2005)

Egg
Eggs- The eggs are found in clusters on the underside surfaces of oleander leaves.

Larva
The larva is orange with white spots that are lightly outlined with black from its head to its tail. It is sparsely covered with white and black fine hairs. Head capsule is bright orange. The larva grows to approximately 4.5cm respectively. (Wagner, 2005) notes Dorsum of T2, T3, and A8 with pair of narrow black lashes, each of which has an especially long white tipped hair that extends beyond the others. Spotted Oleanders undergo 6 instars prior to pupation. They tend to employ a defensive behavior of dropping from their leaves when disturbed. It is possible that the larvae hold toxins poisonous to other animals if ingested. They feed on oleander, which according to (Wagner, 2005) is seriously toxic and can poison a child with only a few ingested leaves.

Pupa
Larva pupates in a thin dark pupa that has been housed in a loosely built cocoon constructed from the hairs of the larva.

Adult
Adults have a black abdomen which carries an irridescent hue of blue. They adorn a white spot in the center of their back. The wings are red and edged in dark blue. Many people confuse them for wasps or bees, hence their common name.

Food plants
Nerium oleander in the Family of Apocynaceae. (Wagner, 2005).