What the Yellow-vested Moth lacks in size, it makes up for with bright, contrasting color.
This moth really does look like it is donning a yellow vest over its black wings. It even appears to have large armholes. The high-visibility of its colors makes it easier for people to notice. What may require a closer look are the faint blue patches where the yellow vest ends. These are hard to see on the black wings. It is a part of the Twirler Moth family, and usually rests with its wings flat and close to its body. The caterpillar hides between the leaves of host trees, post oak and water oak, by using its silk to bind two together.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Depressariidae
Genus:Rectiostoma
Species:xanthobasis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Rectiostoma xanthobasis
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 12mm to 14mm (0.47in to 0.55in)
Colors: yellow; black; blue
Descriptors: small; tiny; yellow shoulders; black bottom wings; flying
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: yellow; black; blue
