Last night while I was watering the garden, the rich smell drifting into the air from our jasmine tree made me stop. A dash of red caught my eye, causing me to watch as it starting feeding on the flower.

After some research I learned that it is called a spotted oleander caterpillar moth, “empyreuma pugione.” According to the University of Florida, it’s distribution in Florida is limited only being found in the Keys and south Florida. It’s host plant. UF stated that oleander is its host plant.

The wing span is 43 to 48 mm, the antennae are bipectinate, black in color with metalic blue highlights and orange tips. What grabbed my attention are the hind wings showcasing a “carmine red” with a brown fringe.

Since I started the butterfly garden three years ago, it has caused me to slow down and look at what is visiting our garden and yard.