Oleander Moths  
These two bugs were nectaring on my buddleia. I'd never seen them before, so I grabbed the camera, got photos, and looked them up.
Polka-dotted Wasp Moth, Syntomeida epilais, Oleander moth
Syntomeida epilais
This Polka-dotted moth looks like a wasp, but it's a harmless moth, well... harmless unless it's larvae are eating your oleander.
This one also eats oleander, and it's polka-dotted as well, but its wings are a solid reddish color.
Empyreuma affinis
Empyreuma Affini, Oleander Moth
Empyreuma Affini, Oleander Moth
Empyreuma Affini, Oleander Moth
Empyreuma Affini, Oleander Moth
I've seen several Oleander moths since I took these (now old) photos, but they just won't sit still for another picture. I'll catch one eventually though.

At least one of their caterpillars is orange with black spines. It looked shaggy. It wasn't mine to keep, and I didn't have a camera on me.

I finally found another Oleander Moth. This one was sipping nectar in the late evening from the Buttonbush flowers next to the boardwalk at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in April:
Empyreuma affini oleander moth
Polka-dotted Wasp Moth, Syntomeida epilais, Oleander moth
My Email: Steph@mail.heuristron.net
Butterflies
Moths
Caterpillars
Other Creatures
Birds
Snakes & Lizards
Spiders
Butterfly Nectar Plants
Butterfly & Moth Host Plants
Wetland plants
Lawn Weeds
Fungi & Other Plants
Vines
Shrub, Bush & Tree Sized Plants
Wildflowers
Butterfly Garden Basics
Image Use Information, Credits & Disclaimer
Articles & Comments
Privacy Policy
Nature Watching Forum