Pest profile

Spanish Moth (Convict Caterpillar)

Xanthopastis timais · Lepidoptera: Noctuidae[2]

Spanish moth caterpillars, nicknamed convict caterpillars, feed in groups on the leaves, bulbs and rhizomes of amaryllis, spider lilies and related plants.[1]

Convict caterpillar, black with cream-white bands and an orange head, on a lily leaf
Convict caterpillar, black with cream-white bands and an orange head, on a lily leaf. (c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • In Florida, caterpillars are black with cream-white or yellow-white bands and an orange head.[1]
  • Adults have rosy-pink and black forewings spotted with orange along the veins, a black body and gray hind wings.[1]

Where it lives

It ranges through the American tropics and, in North America, from the Carolinas to Texas, straying north along the Atlantic coast.[1]

US map: states in the north american range uf/ifas gives (the carolinas to texas).

Biology and life cycle

In Florida, moths are active from January to early June and September to December, with nearly continuous generations in the far south.[1]

Females lay clusters of several hundred eggs, usually under leaves, and larvae pupate in loose soil.[1]

Hosts include amaryllis, spider lily, clivia, crinum, narcissus, rain lily, iris and lily.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Larvae chew in groups on leaves, bulbs and rhizomes.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Check leaves regularly for caterpillars, especially early in spring while plants are small; a blacklight can show when moths are flying.[1]

Biological control

A tachinid fly parasitoid attacks it.[1]

Pesticides

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays control the caterpillars; other pesticides act faster.[1]

Common questions

What are the black and white striped caterpillars eating my amaryllis?
Probably Spanish moth caterpillars, also called convict caterpillars.[1]
How do I control convict caterpillars?
Check plants often, especially in spring, and treat the caterpillars with Bt sprays if needed.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Spanish Moth or Convict Caterpillar, Xanthopastis timais (EENY-271).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN550 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Xanthopastis timais taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1071140 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.