Black and red colored moths can be found across North America. The contrasting yet complementary colors make these insects quite beautiful and unique. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and interesting black and red moth species.
Why Are Some Moths Black and Red?
The colors and patterns on a moth’s wings serve different purposes. Bright colors like red and black can signal toxicity to potential predators They also play a role in mating rituals and camouflage The specific colors may be influenced by the moth’s diet and environment. For example, moths that feed on toxic plants as caterpillars may retain those toxins in their wings as adults.
Striking Black and Red Moth Species
Here are some of the most notable black and red moths found in North America
Cinnabar Moth
The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is likely the most common black and red moth in North America. It has distinct patches of black and red on both sets of wings. The forewings are mostly black with some red, while the hindwings are mostly bright red. Cinnabar moths feed on ragwort and groundsel plants as caterpillars.
Cecropia Moth
With a wingspan up to 6 inches, the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is North America’s largest native moth. It has brownish-gray wings with red and black stripes. The forewings also feature characteristic black spots on the tips. Cecropia moth caterpillars feed on dozens of tree and shrub species.
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
As the name suggests, the grapeleaf skeletonizer moth (Harrisina americana) is a pest of grapevines The adults are almost solid black with just a thin reddish-orange ring around the neck Caterpillars eat grape leaves, leaving only the veins intact. This species is most problematic in vineyards.
Western Sheep Moth
Found in western North American forests, the western sheep moth (Hemileuca eglanterina) has a wingspan around 3 inches. Its forewings display bold black and white patterns, while the hindwings gradient from pink at the top to vivid red at the bottom. The fuzzy caterpillars are pink or purple.
Yellow-Banded Wasp Moth
With its black and yellow/orange colors, the yellow-banded wasp moth (Syntomeida ipomoeae) mimics the appearance of certain wasps as a defense mechanism. It can be identified by the mostly black body and transparent black wings marked with small white spots. The legs and antennae are also black.
Six-Spotted Burnet
As the name hints, this black and red moth (Zygaena filipendulae) has six red spots on its otherwise black wings and body. Found in meadows and woodlands, it has a wingspan around 1.5 inches. The six-spotted burnet specifically feeds on knapweed plants.
Life Cycle of Black and Red Moths
Like all moths and butterflies, black and red moths undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages:
Egg – Adult female moths lay eggs, either singly or in batches, on or near the caterpillar’s host plant. Eggs are very small and round.
Caterpillar – Hatched eggs produce larvae known as caterpillars. Caterpillars of black and red moths are often black, red, yellow, or some combination. They spend this stage voraciously eating and growing.
Pupa – In the pupal stage, the caterpillar transforms into the adult moth within a protective cocoon. This is when the adult wings, legs, and other body parts develop.
Adult – Finally, the mature moth emerges from the cocoon ready to reproduce, starting the cycle over. Adults live only to mate and lay new eggs. They do not eat.
When and Where to Find Black and Red Moths
Most black and red moths are active during the warmer months. However, some species overwinter as pupae and emerge as adults in early spring. Look for them in a variety of habitats, usually wherever their caterpillar host plants grow. Backyards, gardens, meadows, woodlands, and agricultural areas offer prime moth spotting opportunities.
Using a white sheet and a bright light source is a simple moth attracting technique. Also inspect flowers, tree trunks, and foliage during daytime as many moths rest in plain sight. With luck, you may encounter some of these beautiful black and red species going about their moth business!
When to seeMay to August
Cinnabar moth caterpillar ©Andrew Hankinson
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FAQ
What kind of moth is red and black?
Cinnabar moths are about 20 mm (0.79 in) long and have a wingspan of 32–42 mm (1.3–1.7 in). Cinnabar moths are day-flying insects with distinctive pinkish-red and black wings.
Are cinnabar moths harmful?
Cinnabar moths start life as yellow and black caterpillars and are particularly fond of munching on ragwort plants. Their bright colours warn predators that they’re poisonous, but they only build up their poison after feeding on the ragwort.
Are cinnabar moths invasive?
Cinnabar moths and their larvae are a unique example of a species that is not native to the area, but is still beneficial to the ecosystem they have been introduced to. These moths were intentionally released in North America to help control the invasive noxious weed, Tansy Ragwort.
Are black moths harmful?
Fortunately, the black moths are harmless and only pose a nuisance, Porter noted.Oct 10, 2023
What does a black moth look like?
Its forewings are black with different-size red spots. Its hindwings are mostly red with black margins. Different morphs of the species are rare. Most look similar but have yellow color on a black base instead of red spots and wings. All over North America, colorful moths are widespread.
Do burnet moths have red spots?
It’s not uncommon to see yellow spots instead of red. The forewings can also be completely black or red with black borders, and the hindwings are red with a narrow black border. Because of the moth’s black and red colors, they are often confused with Burnet moths. Burnet moths don’t have a red stripe; they only have red spots.
Do Cinnabar moths have red spots?
The forewings can also be completely black or red with black borders, and the hindwings are red with a narrow black border. Because of the moth’s black and red colors, they are often confused with Burnet moths. Burnet moths don’t have a red stripe; they only have red spots. Why are they called Cinnabar Moths?
What does a red moth look like?
This moth has red to brown wings which can sometimes be rusty red. The body of the species exhibits alternating black and red bands. Moths of this family are further differentiated by the hairy head and upper body. Short red hairs are distinguished in this area.
What are some examples of colorful moths?
There are colorful moths such as orange and black moths, all-white moths, and pink and yellow moths. Some moth species have spectacular wing colors and patterns, while many have characteristic brown or black patterns and a fuzzy body.
Are black and red moths atypical?
Black and red colors in moths aren’t atypical. This contrasting color combination is seen on adult moths of various sizes. The coloring of caterpillars may not influence the color of an adult moth at all. As a result, even caterpillars of different colors can then become black and red adult moths.