Ornate Bella Moth

How to identify it

• The wingspan is about 1.2 to 1.8 inches; forewings are yellow, orange or pink with white bands of black dots, and hindwings are bright pink with a black edge.^[1][2]
• Caterpillars are orange-brown with broad black bands and white spots, and are not fuzzy like most woolly bears.^[1][2]

Look-alikes

Where it lives

From Connecticut west to southeastern Nebraska and south to New Mexico, Arizona and Florida, and on through Mexico and Central America.^[1]

US map: public records from 14 states since 1990 (GBIF). View the map

Biology and life cycle

Unlike most moths it flies by day and readily when disturbed; there are two generations in the north and continuous breeding in the far south.^[1]

Eggs are laid in clusters on foliage, and the caterpillars feed on rattlebox (Crotalaria).^[1][2]

Damage and signs

• No damage of concern: caterpillars eat rattlebox plants and store their alkaloids, which make the moths toxic to predators.^[1][2]

Health risk

No risk to people is described; stored plant alkaloids make the moths distasteful to predators.^[1][2]

Control

Prevention

No control is needed for this harmless moth, whose caterpillars feed on rattlebox.^[1][2]

Related profiles

• Ailanthus Webworm
• Black-and-Yellow Lichen Moth

Common questions

What is the bright pink and orange moth flying in the daytime?

Likely an ornate bella moth, a day-flying rattlebox moth.^[1][2]

Sources

1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (EDIS, Featured Creatures), “Ornate Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moths, Utetheisa ornatrix (EENY-358).” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN644 (accessed 2026-10-16)
2. Missouri Department of Conservation, “Ornate Bella Moth (Field Guide).” mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ornate-bella-moth (accessed 2026-10-16)
3. iNaturalist, “Utetheisa ornatrix taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/67440 (accessed 2026-10-06)