Syntomeida epilais                                                Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

The blue-black Oleander moth is also known as the Polka Dot moth because of the white spots on its body and wings. This moth is a wasp mimic, and unlike most moths it is active during the daytime and easy to catch because it flies slowly.

The caterpillars are orange, with tufts of long black hair. They feed on Oleander leaves which are poisonous to mammals. These moths and their caterpillars are often seen in the gardens of tourist attractions in Florida. Look for them wherever you see oleanders planted.

                                                                            Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

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