Eyed Tiger Moth Laying Eggs

Subject: Moth laying eggs
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
February 22, 2015 10:53 am
My friend sent me this interesting photo of a beautiful moth laying eggs on her car cover. I have tried Google and the only thing I can find close to it is the Leopard moth.. but I am confused because this moth has red.. and I can not find any moth that looks like this at all?
Signature: Tina

Dear Tina,
Your identification of a Giant Leopard Moth, Hypercompe scribonia, is correct, and the species is also known as an Eyed Tiger Moth.  The reddish mark on the thorax is an area where the scales have worn away, revealing the exoskeleton.  Here is an image from BugGuide of an individual with a similar bare spot on the thorax.