Arctiid Moth from South Africa is Splendrous Hornet Moth

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Subject: Iridescent flying insect in South Africa
Location: Port Shepstone, +-100 km South of Durban, South Africa
February 20, 2013 4:20 am
Hi there – my mom who lives on the east coast of South Africa (Port Shepstone) took this shot of a lovely iridescent insect in her garden. Is it a type of colourful moth perhaps?
Wonderful site by the way 🙂
Signature: Cat Robinson

Splendrous Hornet Moth

Dear Cat,
This is one of the Tiger Moths in the subfamily Arctiinae, but our quick search did not turn up a species match.  Many moths in this group mimic wasps.  We will contact Tiger Moth specialist Julian Donahue to see if he can provide a species identification.

Julian Donahue provides an identifidation:  Euchromia amoena
This appears to be an excellent match for Euchromia amoena (Möschler, 1872), apparently widespread in southern Africa.
“Amoena” is from the Latin, meaning “pleasant” or “delightful,” so you can coin your own common name if you’re unable to find one already in use.
Julian

Thanks Julian,
There is a matching image on Encyclopedia of Life.

Thank you so much for this! You are really providing a wonderful service – greatly appreciated J
Kind regards,
Cat Robinson

Update:  December 29, 2013
A recent comment indicates this may be another member of the genus:  Euchromia formosa, the Splendrous Hornet Moth, which is pictured on the Insect Collector’s  Shop.

3 thoughts on “Arctiid Moth from South Africa is Splendrous Hornet Moth”

  1. I think this is the Splendrous Hornet moth, Euchromia formosa, rather than E. amoena based on the position of the metallic markings on the wings, head, thorax, and abdomen. Both species have a similar range.

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