8284 - Syntomedia epilais,
Polka-dotted Wasp Moth
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Species Pages
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Freshly emerged adult
Final instar larva
General Species Information
Host Plant: Oleander (Nerium oleander), Desert Rose (Adenium species), Devil's Potato (Echites umbellata) and perhaps other members of the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)
Historical Range: Florida, Georgia and the Caribbean
Our Experience with this Species: This is one of the most abundant species in the Keys. It appears in all months and in every location we have surveyed
Notes: This species is common on the mainland of Florida and is concidered a pest to ornamental oleander plants. This species will quickly defoliate large volumes of foliage which usually ends up in spraying of the plant or even the removal of the plant. Despite its common nature, this species is quite handsome. Its slow, lazy diurnal habits make them a welcome guest to butterfly and moth gardens.
Distribution Chart
K. Largo Marath. Ba. Hond B.P.K. No Name Sck. Isd. K. West
Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed on that island
Adult Flight Chart
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed in that month
References
