Pheromonal-chorusing
Guides
Utetheisa ornatrix
Ornate Bella Moth, Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moth, Ornate Moth
Utetheisa ornatrix is a diurnal moth distinguished by its aposematic coloration ranging from pink, red, orange, and yellow to white with black markings. The species has a wingspan of 33–46 mm and is found from the southeastern United States through Central America to South America. Larvae specialize on Crotalaria species (Fabaceae), sequestering toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that render them unpalatable to predators. The species exhibits complex mating behavior including female polyandry, nuptial gift transfer, and pheromone-mediated mate choice.