Cisseps fulvicollis

Distinguished from similar dark moths by the bright yellow or orange collar on the thorax. The Virginia ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) is similar in appearance but has different geographic distribution—C. fulvicollis occurs in the southeastern US where C. virginica is absent. Adults are diurnal, unlike many nocturnal moth species.

Fields, forest edges, gardens, and meadows. Associated with areas where larval host plants (grasses and sedges) are present.

North America from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) south through the United States to Texas and Florida. Widespread throughout eastern and central North America.

Active late spring through summer, with peak activity in late summer and autumn. Adults are diurnal and may be observed feeding during daylight hours.

Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae feed on grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae).

• grasses - larval food plantPoaceae
• sedges - larval food plantCyperaceae

Females lay eggs on grasses and sedges. Caterpillars are yellow, brown, or black with sparse long, soft pale setae, bearing dark stripes on back and sides surrounded by yellow or orange stripes. Larvae feed nocturnally. Pupation and overwintering details are not well documented.

Adults are diurnal, actively feeding on nectar during daylight hours. This contrasts with the nocturnal habits of many related moth species. Larvae feed at night and are rarely observed.

Adults serve as pollinators when feeding on nectar. Larvae function as herbivores on grasses and sedges. The species is part of the tiger moth clan, many of which employ aposematic coloration as a defense strategy.

Considered a beneficial pollinator in gardens and meadows. No known negative economic impact. The aposematic coloration makes it a subject of interest for naturalists and photographers.

• Ctenucha virginicaSimilar dark body with bright markings; distinguished by geographic separation (C. virginica absent from southeastern US where C. fulvicollis occurs) and structural differences in antennae and wing shape

• moth
• diurnal
• pollinator
• tiger moth
• aposematic
• North America

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• GBIF taxonomy match
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• Catalogue of Life
• Stylish Lepidoptera: Ermine Moth, Atteva aurea; Yellow-Collared Scape Moth, Cisseps fulvicollis; Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos; Variegated Fritillary, Euptoieta claudia — Bug of the Week
• Archive — Bug of the Week
• Aposematic autumn moths: Yellow-collared scape moth, Cisseps fulvicollis, and Ermine moth, Atteva aurea — Bug of the Week