Empyreuma pugione

Linnaeus, 1767

Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth, Spotted Oleander Moth

Empyreuma pugione, the spotted oleander , is a day-flying to the Caribbean region that was to Florida in 1978. The moth exhibits striking orange and black aposematic coloration and -like appearance, while the feed on oleander (Nerium oleander) and other Apocynaceae. Both sequester cardiac glycosides from their plants, making them unpalatable to . The is considered less destructive than its Syntomeida epilais due to solitary feeding habits and lower .

Empyreuma pugione 343012016 by geosesarma. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Empyreuma affinis Larvae by Shaina Noggle of GothMoths. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Empyreuma affinis Pupa by Shaina Noggle of GothMoths. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Empyreuma pugione: /ɛmˌpɪəˈruːmə pjuːˈɡioʊni/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished from similar Syntomeida epilais (polka-dot ) by orange and black coloration with splotches versus iridescent -black with white polka-dots. identified by light-colored spots and reddish- hair tufts (versus dark spots and black hair tufts in S. epilais). Day-flying and association with oleander plants aid field identification.

Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical environments. Associated with cultivated and ornamental oleander plantings. In range, found in Caribbean islands at elevations up to 733 m. In range, established in urban and suburban landscapes with oleander plantings in southern Florida.

Distribution

to West Indies (Caribbean islands including Cuba and Guadeloupe). to United States: first recorded in Boca Raton, Florida in 1978; now established in southern Florida. GBIF records indicate presence in North America and French West Indies (Saint Martin).

Seasonality

active year-round in tropical and subtropical climates. In Florida, observed primarily during warmer months. Mating occurs in early morning hours before and during dawn.

Diet

feed on leaves of Nerium oleander (oleander). Prior to introduction of oleander to the New World, larvae likely fed on Caribbean Apocynaceae including Thevetia, Plumeria, Mandevilla, or Tabernaemontana. are not known to feed; may take nectar.

Host Associations

Nerium oleander - larval ; primary food source in Florida
Thevetia - probable Caribbean Apocynaceae
Plumeria - probable Caribbean Apocynaceae
Mandevilla - probable Caribbean Apocynaceae
Tabernaemontana - probable Caribbean Apocynaceae

Life Cycle

. deposited on oleander leaves. feed solitarily on foliage, cardiac glycosides. occurs in silken . emerge and mate in early morning; females use rather than acoustic signals to attract males (unlike the Syntomeida epilais). Multiple per year in favorable climates.

Behavior

Day-flying activity unusual for . Mating occurs between 2:30–4:30 AM; females release detected by males via feathery . feed solitarily rather than in . Both and larvae exhibit aposematic (warning) coloration advertising chemical defense.

Ecological Role

; minor defoliator of ornamental oleander. by natural and . Serves as model for and aposematic coloration studies. Contributes to trophic interactions involving cardiac glycoside and predator learning.

Human Relevance

Minor pest of ornamental oleander in Florida; control measures generally unnecessary due to rarity and solitary feeding. Valued for aesthetic appeal and biological interest. Subject of research on , , and communication.

Similar Taxa

Syntomeida epilaisOleander ; similar and use. Distinguished by iridescent -black coloration with polka-dots, dark spots and black hair tufts on , and acoustic courtship communication.
Syntomeida melanthusRelated oleander-feeding with similar .

More Details

Chemical Defense

Cardiac glycosides sequestered from Apocynaceae plants provide protection against vertebrate . These compounds cause emesis in birds that attempt to consume the or .

Communication

Unlike the polka-dot (Syntomeida epilais) which uses ultrasonic acoustic duets for courtship, E. pugione relies exclusively on -mediated chemical communication for mate location.

Taxonomic Note

The synonym Empyreuma affinis has been used in some literature, but E. pugione is the accepted name.