20-4-2022 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - CROTALARIA MOTH (Utetheisa lotrix)

The Crotalaria Moth (Utetheisa lotrix), also known as the salt-and-pepper moth, is a small, day-flying Erebidae moth found throughout the Old World tropics, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. Known for its white wings with red/black markings, the larvae primarily feed on Crotalaria (rattlebox) plants, sequestering toxins that make them unpalatable to predators.

Key Facts About the Crotalaria Moth: 

Appearance: They have a wingspan of roughly \(30\text{\ mm}\). The forewings are white with red streaks and black spots, while the hindwings are mostly white with a narrow black border.

Diet and Toxicity: Larvae feed on Crotalaria species (family Leguminosae), incorporating toxic alkaloids into their bodies, which they retain into adulthood to deter predators like birds and spiders.

Life Cycle: Eggs are laid on Crotalaria plants. Larvae (caterpillars) are typically yellowish-orange with black bands and dark spots.