Syntomeida

Harris, 1839

wasp moths, oleander moths

Species Guides

3

Syntomeida is a of tiger moths in the Erebidae, commonly known as wasp moths or oleander . The genus includes approximately 11 described distributed primarily in the Americas, with several species occurring in the southeastern United States. The most well-known species, Syntomeida epilais (polka-dot wasp moth), exhibits remarkable aposematic coloration and sequesters cardiac glycosides from its plants. Members of this genus are notable for their activity, -mimicking appearance, and elaborate systems.

Syntomeida epilais by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Syntomeida epilais by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.Syntomeida epilais by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Syntomeida: /ˌsɪntəˈmaɪdə/

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

Identification

in this are distinguished from other tiger moths by their combination of , -like coloration with metallic blue or black bodies, and contrasting spots or bands. Syntomeida epilais specifically shows iridescent blue-green body coloration with white polka-dots and red-tipped . The genus can be separated from related genera such as Empyreuma by details of wing pattern and body coloration. Accurate species-level identification typically requires examination of genitalia or geographic distribution.

Images

Distribution

The occurs primarily in the Americas, with distributed from the southern United States through the Caribbean, Central America, and into South America. Syntomeida epilais is native to the Caribbean region and has spread to Florida and southern Georgia. Other species occur in various regions including Cuba (Syntomeida wrighti), Brazil, and Argentina.

Behavior

Females of Syntomeida epilais produce acoustic signals by vibrating thoracic tymbals to attract mates, creating ultrasonic clicking sounds that form duets with male responses. This represents one of the most elaborate systems documented in the Erebidae. Females modulate their acoustic signals based on context, responding to males during courtship but to bat echolocation signals for defense during early post- periods.

Human Relevance

Syntomeida epilais is a significant pest of ornamental oleander plantings in Florida and southern Georgia, where larval feeding can cause substantial defoliation. The has been the subject of extensive research, with documented including braconid wasps, tachinid flies, and other natural enemies. The striking appearance of makes them popular subjects for nature photography and public education about insect defenses.

Similar Taxa

  • EmpyreumaAlso contains oleander-feeding wasp moths with similar aposematic coloration; distinguished by orange and black versus blue and white color patterns in most , and different wing venation
  • AmataRelated syntomine with similar -mimicking appearance; primarily Old World distribution and different color patterns (often black with yellow or orange bands)
  • CtenuchaNorth American syntomine with metallic coloration; distinguished by different wing patterns and typically or activity

More Details

Taxonomic History

Syntomeida has undergone significant taxonomic reclassification. Formerly placed in the Ctenuchidae, then subsumed into , then briefly within Noctuidae, the now resides in Erebidae ( Arctiinae) following molecular and morphological revisions by Lafontaine and Schmidt (2010). Some former have been transferred to the genus Phoenicoprocta.

Acoustic Communication Research

Syntomeida epilais has been extensively studied for its unique sound production system. Research by Sanderford and Conner demonstrated that females use tymbal organs to produce ultrasonic clicks for mate attraction, with males responding to create duets. More recent research shows females can discriminate between signals and bat attack sequences, modulating their responses for defense versus courtship.

Sources and further reading