The majority are active at night and wear cryptic brown or gray patterns. The majority, but not all...
Eight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata), male is notated by white dorsal stripe
Nectaring on flowering blackberry. This species is a member of the rebellious subfamily Agaristinae within the Noctuid clan. Members of which are often striking and quite noticeable.
Widespread in the eastern portion of the continent, here in Central Texas we are nearing the peripheral of its western range. It's larvae, feed on ampelopsis, Virginia Creeper, and other plants in the grape family. Some people mistakenly take Virginia Creeper as Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.
'Tisn't. It does not take long to learn Virginia Creeper as Virginia Creeper. Leave that native vine be if you can. It looks great on your wooden fences, and wonderful on the trunk of oak trees. There are some fantastic, colorful moths and butterflies that use it as hostplant for their larvae. You'll love the adults.
There is much Virginia Creeper where we live. This native vine plays host plant to several species in family Sphingidae as well.
We, after I took two mornings trying to photograph this guy, finally captured a picture of this individual last Friday at Woodway Park here in Woodway, McLennan County, TX.
A great moth; brilliant color, diurnal...... and yes... Noctuid. Some moths, like people, don't go with the trends.
We like them.
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