Dogbane-specialist
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Saucrobotys futilalis
dogbane saucrobotys moth, dogbane webworm
Saucrobotys futilalis, commonly known as the dogbane saucrobotys moth or dogbane webworm, is a crambid moth native to North America. The species is notable for its specialized relationship with dogbane (Apocynum) and milkweed (Asclepias) plants, which serve as exclusive larval hosts. Larvae construct silken nests on host plants and exhibit a striking ontogenetic color change from cryptic green to aposematic orange with black spots as they mature. Both larval and adult stages sequester cardiac glycosides from their host plants for chemical defense against predators. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range from northeastern North America to British Columbia and south to Texas and California.