Moths come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, but some of the most eye-catching species are the black and yellow or black and orange moths. These vividly contrasting colors make them stand out both in natural habitats and gardens. With over 2500 moth species in the UK and North America, there is an incredible diversity to explore within this color group.
In this article, we will highlight some of the most vibrant and beautiful black, yellow and orange moths found across the UK, North America and beyond. Get ready to be amazed by nature’s artistry!
Why Such Vibrant Colors?
The bright contrasting colors of these moths serve multiple purposes. Firstly, the striking patterns act as a visual warning to potential predators that these moths may be toxic or distasteful. This form of warning coloration is known as aposematic coloration.
Secondly, it allows moths with similar patterns to easily recognize each other for mating The more vibrant and distinct the markings, the easier it is for moths to identify their own species
Finally some species can regulate their body temperature by angling their dark wings towards or away from sunlight. The darker wings absorb heat, while lighter wings reflect it. This allows them to heat up or cool down efficiently.
Beautiful UK Species
The UK is home to a number of gloriously colored black and yellow or orange moth species. Here are some of the most vibrant:
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Cinnabar Moth: Unmistakable black and bright red forewings, with red and black banded hindwings. Often found on ragwort flowers.
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Six-spot Burnet: Slender black wings with six distinctive red spots on each forewing. Commonly seen on grasslands.
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Scarlet Tiger: Striking black forewings with white and yellow spots, contrasting with bright red hindwings. Prefers riverbanks and marshes.
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Silver Y: Fast-flying brown moth with metallic silver Y shape on forewings. Frequently disturbed from vegetation.
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Swallow-tailed Moth: Elegant pale yellow with long tail-like extensions on hindwings. Found in diverse habitats.
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Jersey Tiger: Forewings black with creamy stripes, hindwings brightly orange, red or yellow. Inhabits coastal areas.
Stunning North American Species
North America has its fair share of fabulously colored black and orange or yellow moths. Some eye-catching examples include:
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Eight-spotted Forester: Primarily black with orange and yellow spots. Larvae have similar vivid colors.
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Virgin Tiger Moth: Variable patterns but typically yellow and black forewings with red, black or yellow hindwings.
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Ornate Tiger Moth: Yellow and black forewings, orange and black hindwings in non-variable regions.
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Hieroglyphic Moth: Black patterns on yellow forewings resembles hieroglyphs. Yellow and black hindwings.
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Ailanthus Webworm: Orange forewings with yellow and black spots. Smoky white hindwings with gray margins.
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Bold-feathered Grass Moth: Pale yellow wings with black wavy crosslines. Larvae feed on lawns and grasslands.
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Thin-banded Lichen: Black wings with yellow and orange patterns. Feeds on lichens in woodlands.
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Harnessed Tiger Moth: Variable patterns but typically orange and black or yellow and black. Major agricultural pest.
Impressive Species Around the World
Some fabulous black and bright yellow or orange moths can be found in diverse regions around the world. Here is a small sample:
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Atlas Moth (Asia): Among the largest moth species, with yellow and black striped forewings and pink, red, white and black patterned hindwings.
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Madagascan Sunset Moth (Madagascar): Vivid orange hindwings with black and white banded forewings. One of the most beautiful moths globally.
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Bombycilla Moth (South America): Impressive yellow and black striped forewings. Hindwings are vibrant red with black spots and white bands.
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Chrysiridia Ripheus (Africa): Thick yellow and black striped abdomen. Forewings khaki green and hindwings bright orange with black dots.
Appreciating Nature’s Artwork
The vibrant black, yellow and orange moth species highlighted here represent just a tiny fraction of the incredible diversity out there. Wherever you live, be sure to appreciate the natural artistry on display when you spot these brightly colored moths.
Their jewel-toned wings are a visual treat and a reminder of nature’s boundless creativity. Take a moment to admire the nuances of their patterns and revel in their astounding beauty!
How you can help
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When to seeMay to August
Cinnabar moth caterpillar ©Andrew Hankinson
Giant Moth Trusts Her Rescuer To Raise Her Babies | The Dodo
FAQ
What are the orange moths with black markings?
The Tiger Moth is a food source for small birds. Luckily for the Tiger Moth, most predators know its marked patches of orange and black mean that the moth is distasteful or poisonous. After dark when its visual signal is useless, the tiger moth emits ultrasonic clicks which can be picked up by insectivorous bats.
Are black and yellow lichen moths poisonous?
As adults, they resemble toxic Calopteron beetles (pictured below). It helps that they too are also toxic, as their aposematic coloration would suggest to any bird or other maybe-muncher.
What kind of moth is yellow and black?
The black and yellow lichen moth is also a member of the tribe Lithosiini (subfamily Arctiinae), the lichen moths. The common name of the tribe refers to the frequent choice of lichens as food sources by the caterpillars. Like other tiger moths, the lichen moths are also most common in the Neotropics.
How rare are sphinx moths?
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Abundance:The family Sphingidae, which includes sphinx moths, contains over 1,400 species worldwide, with many being common and widespread.
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Examples of Common Species:The white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) is a common hawk moth found throughout North America.
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Examples of Rare Species:Some species, like Blackburn’s sphinx moth, are federally listed as endangered.
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Some species are more common in certain regionsThe small-eyed sphinx moth is more common in the eastern half of the U.S., but can be found all the way west to California.
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Some sphinx moths, like hummingbird hawk-moths, are known for their rapid flight and hovering ability, often mistaken for hummingbirds.
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The larvae of many sphinx moths are known as hornworms, which are often found on plants.
What color is an orange spotted flower moth?
Orange, yellow, and black are the 3 colors of The Orange-spotted Flower Moth (Syngamia florella). This is a species with yellow and black wings. Its upper body also shows a combination of yellow and black patterns. The hindwings of the species also carry a similar black and yellow pattern. Orange marks the color of the lower part of its body.
What color is a tiger moth?
The vivid yellow, orange, and black hues are displayed by the tricolored Apantesis ornata, often known as the Ornate Tiger Moth. Its hindwings feature an eye-catching orange and black combination, while its bright yellow and black forewings are ornamented with intricate black designs.
What is the size of the orange moth?
This is a large moth that can grow to 16cm in wing span. The forewing is gray with orange veins and yellow spots. The hind wing is orange with yellow at the inner margin and costa.
What moths have orange wings?
Here are some amazing moths found in the United States with orange wings: The Orange Beggar (Eublemma pantherata) is completely orange with black antennae and legs. The Black-and-yellow Lichen Moth (Lycomorpha pholus) has a blue back with the base of the wings being an orange-yellow.
What color are obtuse yellow moths?
A species that mimics dying yellow leaves, Obtuse Yellow moths (Azenia obtusa) are tricolored. Dark yellow dominates the appearance of its wings which are contrasted by dark brown spots. Dark brown margins are also seen on the upper side of its forewings while the head is black. The legs of Obtuse Yellow moths are also yellow, brown, and black.
What color are eastern North American moths?
Eastern North American moths are predominantly black and yellow in color. They frequently take on tricolored or opposing shapes and have complex black patterns combined with orange and yellow colors. Nonetheless, a few of these species may be regarded as pests since they endanger gardens and remove leaves from trees.