# Yellow-Collared Scape Moth (*cisseps fulvicollis*) The Yellow-Collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis) is a charming diurnal moth native to North America. Often mistaken for a wasp due to its slender profile, darkened wings, and behavior, this insect is a masterful mimic that uses its appearance to deter predators. It features a striking, bright orange-yellow collar that contrasts sharply against its velvety dark-brown or black body and smoky, semi-translucent wings. Unlike most moths that fly under the cover of darkness, this species is a frequent daytime visitor to meadows, fields, and gardens. It can often be observed gently fluttering from flower to flower, sipping nectar alongside bees and butterflies. This makes it an exceptionally accessible and delightful find for nature enthusiasts and backyard observers alike. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Found in open fields, wet meadows, marshes, prairies, and suburban gardens where nectar-rich flowers and larval host plants are abundant. ![Yellow-Collared Scape Moth](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/21877919/medium.jpg) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/21877919) ## Appearance The Yellow-Collared Scape Moth is easily identified by its distinctive, bright yellow-to-orange collar (pronotum) that encircles its neck. Its body and wings are primarily dark brownish-black, with the forewings being narrow and opaque, while the hindwings are slightly lighter and semi-translucent. It has a slender, metallic-blue abdomen that is often hidden when the wings are folded flat over its back in a tent-like fashion. Its antennae are bipectinate (feathery) in males and simple in females, and it typically has a wingspan ranging from 3 to 4 centimeters. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Cisseps ## Interesting facts - Despite being moths, they are strictly diurnal (day-active) and are commonly found feeding alongside bees and butterflies. - Their orange collar is a form of aposematism, warning visual predators like birds that they might taste bad or be toxic. - They possess a specialized organ called a Johnston's organ at the base of their antennae to help them sense flight speed and wind direction. ## Special abilities - **Wasp Mimicry:** It deters potential predators by mimicking the slender shape, dark coloration, and daytime flight patterns of stinging wasps. - **Ultrasonic Hearing:** Equipped with tympanic organs, it can detect the echolocation calls of bats, allowing it to take evasive maneuvers if flying near dusk. - **Chemical Defense Acquisition:** As caterpillars, they feed on grasses and sedges, accumulating toxic compounds that make them distasteful to birds and other predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 1+ cm - **Wingspan:** 3+ cm - **Weight:** 0.0001+ kg - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 50+ - **Incubation:** 5+ days ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars feed primarily on various grasses, sedges, and lichens, while the adult moths feed on the nectar of diverse flowering plants. - **Age differences:** Larvae are chewing herbivores that consume grass blades and lichens, whereas adults possess a siphoning proboscis restricted to liquid nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Goldenrod nectar, Eupatorium nectar, Orchard grass, Sedges, Lichens - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Host plant:** [Orchard Grass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/orchard-grass) (*Dactylis glomerata*) — Larval host plant where caterpillars feed on the leaves. - **Mutualism:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adult moths obtain energy-rich nectar from the blossoms. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Predatory birds that occasionally feed on caterpillars or adults despite their warning colors. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Yellow-Collared Scape 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. ### How long is Yellow-Collared Scape Moth? 1+ cm ### What is Yellow-Collared Scape Moth's wingspan? 3+ cm ### How much does Yellow-Collared Scape Moth weigh? 0.0001+ kg ### How fast can Yellow-Collared Scape Moth move? 8 km/h ### What does Yellow-Collared Scape Moth eat? Caterpillars feed primarily on various grasses, sedges, and lichens, while the adult moths feed on the nectar of diverse flowering plants. ### Where is Yellow-Collared Scape Moth usually found? Found in open fields, wet meadows, marshes, prairies, and suburban gardens where nectar-rich flowers and larval host plants are abundant. ### How does Yellow-Collared Scape Moth hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Chenango Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chenango-canal) — New York, US · Historic Site - [East Windsor Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-windsor-hill-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Field Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/field-farm) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve - [Elkins Coal and Coke Company Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/elkins-coal-and-coke-company-historic-district) — West Virginia, US · Historic District [View all places to see Yellow-Collared Scape Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/yellow-collared-scape-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: [Yellow-Collared Scape Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yellow-collared-scape-moth)