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Nick H.

@nick_h

Pro

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.

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Observation

Location

Florida

Observed

September, 5:10 PM

Weather

Cloudy, 86F

Shared

September 13, 2026

Also known as

Oleander Moth
Polka-dot Wasp Moth

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Lepidoptera

Family

Erebidae

Genus

Syntomeida