@nick_h
Florida
Syntomeida epilais
Oleander Moth
The primary subject is identified as an Oleander Moth (*Syntomeida epilais*) based on its highly distinctive coloration and pattern. Key diagnostic features visible in the images include the iridescent blue-black body and forewings, the regularly spaced white spots on the wings, and the prominent, bright red-orange tip of the abdomen. This combination of features is characteristic of this species, which is a well-known wasp mimic.
Overview
Syntomeida epilais, the polka-dot wasp moth or oleander moth, is a species of moth thought to be native to the Caribbean. Its larvae feed on the oleander plant. Like most wasp moths, these are day fliers.
Read sourceObservation
Location
Florida
Observed
September, 5:10 PM
Weather
Cloudy, 86F
Shared
September 13, 2026
Also known as
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Erebidae
Genus
Syntomeida




