Day-flying-noctuid
Guides
Alypia
forester moths, eight-spotted forester
Alypia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, native to North America. These moths are notable for their striking coloration—generally dark to black with contrasting yellowish or white spots—and their diurnal activity, which is unusual for noctuids. The genus includes approximately five described species, with A. octomaculata (eight-spotted forester) being the most familiar. Larvae feed on plants in the grape family (Vitaceae), including Virginia creeper and ampelopsis.
Alypia octomaculata
Eight-spotted Forester, Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Alypia octomaculata, the eight-spotted forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are strikingly colored with black bodies and eight contrasting spots on their wings—two per wing in white, cream, or yellow shades. The species is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuids, which frequently leads to misidentification as a butterfly. Larvae feed on grape family plants and are considered minor pests in vineyards.
Psychomorpha epimenis
Grapevine Epimenis Moth
Psychomorpha epimenis, commonly known as the Grapevine Epimenis Moth, is a North American noctuid moth in the subfamily Agaristinae. Adults are diurnal and display striking black-and-white wing patterns with orange-red patches. The species is associated with grapevines and related plants. It is one of only two species in the genus Psychomorpha.