Polka-dot Wasp Moth

Polka-dot Wasp Moths are common moths across much of Florida, straying north to South Carolina and Texas. Populations are cut back by cold weather in the northern parts of their range. We took this photo at Key West's Fort Zachary Taylor on 27 January 2018.

The moth is suspected of being native to the Caribbean, brought to Florida with oleander plants, upon which the caterpillars feed. The caterpillar can cause considerable defoliation of Oleander, which was originally introduced into the New World by the Spanish. Females emit ultrasonic sounds to attract their mates, often from considerable distances. Males respond with an answering signal (University of Florida).