# Polka-Dot Wasp Moth (*Syntomeida epilais*) The Polka-Dot Wasp Moth is a colorful insect with bright yellow and black spots. It looks like a tiny superhero in the garden, fluttering around flowers and plants. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Polka-Dot Wasp Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Syntomeida_epilais_254871529.jpg&width=800) Photo: James Rogers, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syntomeida_epilais_254871529.jpg) ## Appearance The Polka-Dot Wasp Moth has a striking metallic blue-green body adorned with white polka-dots, an orange head, and matching orange legs. Its wings are mostly clear with dark veins, making it look much like a stinging wasp to scare off predators. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Syntomeida ## Interesting facts - Its caterpillars munch on poisonous oleander plants, but they don't get sick! - They got their name because they look exactly like a tiny, colorful wasp! - This amazing moth has clear wings that sparkle like glass in the sunshine! - Unlike most moths, it often flies during the daytime, just like a butterfly! ## Special abilities - **Wasp Disguise:** Polka-Dot Wasp Moth has a convincing wasp-like appearance that helps them trick predators into thinking they are dangerous to approach. - **Toxic Shield:** Polka-Dot Wasp Moth can absorb toxins from its food, making it taste bad or even poisonous if a predator tries to eat it. - **Warning Colors:** Polka-Dot Wasp Moth uses its bright, contrasting colors that help them warn potential predators that they are not a tasty meal. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-45 mm - **Size:** 12-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding As caterpillars, they eat poisonous leaves, but as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers. - **Age differences:** Larvae (caterpillars) feed on host plant leaves, while adults feed on nectar from flowers. - **Primary Foods:** Nerium oleander leaves, Asclepias curassavica leaves, Lantana camara nectar, Bidens pilosa nectar, Eupatorium capillifolium nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Oleander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oleander) (*Nerium oleander*) — Larvae feed on its leaves - **Eats:** [Tropical Milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tropical-milkweed) (*Asclepias curassavica*) — Caterpillars also consume its leaves - **Pollinates:** Common Sunflower (*Helianthus annuus*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — A potential predator, despite toxicity ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch moths, but enjoy watching them from a distance! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Polka-Dot Wasp Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth's wingspan? 30-45 mm ### How big is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth? 12-15 mm ### How long does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Polka-Dot Wasp Moth fly? 10 km/h ### What does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth eat? As caterpillars, they eat poisonous leaves, but as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers. ### Where is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth usually found? Urban areas ### How does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [American Orchid Society Visitors Center and Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/american-orchid-society-visitors-center-and-botanical-garden) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Bay Shore Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bay-shore-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/morikami-museum-and-japanese-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Polka-Dot Wasp Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/polka-dot-wasp-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Polka-Dot Wasp Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/polka-dot-wasp-moth)