Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar

Eight-spotted forester (larvae), Alypia octomaculata

Eight-spotted foresters belong the family Noctuidae, or owlet moths, which are the largest family in the Lepidoptera order; however, the adults behave more like butterflies. With black wings with white spots and bright orange hair on the legs, eight-spotted foresters are a commonly seen drinking nectar during the day. The larvae stage is less obvious as they feed on the underside of Virginia creeper and grapevine leaves.

Caterpillar attached by silk string to above Virginia creeper.

The caterpillar of the eight-spotted forester is a mixture of white, black, and orange bands although an immature stage is orange with interspersed light gray areas. They are primarily found in the eastern portions of North America with a few sightings out west. Eight-spotted foresters have one generation per year in the north, but can have two in the south. In the winter, the pupa overwinters in the soil or old wood.