There are a number of different species of moths that can have yellow and pink coloration. The specific type of moth will depend on factors like the geographical location, size, wing patterns and other identifying features. Some of the most common types of yellow and pink moths include:
Tiger Moths
Tiger moths belong to the family Arctiidae and are medium-sized, hairy moths. They are named for their striped or banded wing patterns that resemble a tiger. There are over 11,000 species of tiger moths worldwide, many of which have some combination of pink, yellow, white or black coloring on their wings and body.
Some specific tiger moths with pink and yellow coloring include:
– Garden Tiger Moth – Has black wings with pink and creamy yellow stripes. Found in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
– Pink-legged Tiger Moth – Pale pink hindwings and yellow banded forewings. Native to eastern Australia.
– Scarlet Tiger Moth – Bright scarlet/pink wings with yellow stripes and dots. Found in southern Europe and Asia.
– Virginian Tiger Moth – Yellow wings with pink stripes and dots. Native to eastern North America.
– Yellow-collared Tiger Moth – Pale yellow forewings and hindwings with black bands on edges. Found in Asia.
Hawkmoths
Hawkmoths make up the family Sphingidae. They are large, swift flying moths that get their name from their hovering, hawk-like flight patterns. They have long, narrow wings and bodies.
Some hawkmoths with yellow and pink coloring:
– Oleander Hawkmoth – Lime green thorax with yellow and maroon striped abdomen. Pink and olive striped wings. Found in tropical Asia, Africa and Southern Europe.
– Pink-spotted Hawkmoth – Pale pink wings with distinct black spots and bands. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen and Oman.
– Privet Hawkmoth – Pale yellow thorax and hindwings. Forewings are olive-brown with pink stripe. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa.
– Vine Hawkmoth – Yellow and black striped abdomen. Hindwings and thorax are pink. Found in Africa, southern Europe and Asia.
Underwing Moths
Underwing moths refer to the family Erebidae, Arctiidae and Noctuidae. They are named for their pattern of concealing bright, colorful underwings that are hidden when at rest. When disturbed, they expose the bright patterns in flight as a visual defense.
Some underwing moths with yellow/pink underwings:
– Banded Underwing – Black forewings, yellow-orange hindwings with incomplete black bands. Native to eastern North America.
– Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing – Brown forewings, bright yellow-orange hindwings. Common in northern Europe.
– Cosmopolitan moth – Brown forewings, pink underwings with dark markings. Found worldwide.
– Pink-barred Yellow – Grayish forewings, yellow underwings with vivid pink bands. Native to Australia.
– Rosy Underwing – Brown forewings, light pink underwings with dark markings. Found across North America.
Geometrid Moths
Geometrid moths make up the family Geometridae. They are characterized by their slender bodies and broad, angular wings. Many species have wing coloration and patterns that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark and lichen.
Some geometrid moths with yellow and pink:
– Autumnal Moth – Gray, brown or reddish wings with pale yellow lines, bands and shading. Found across northern North America, Europe and Asia.
– Brindled Pug – Light brown or fawn colored wings with pink and yellow stripes and markings. Native to Europe.
– Buckinghamshire Pink Underwing – Camouflaged brown forewings, pink underwings with yellow fringe. Endemic to Buckinghamshire, England.
– Pale Brindled Beauty – Pale brown wings with yellow and pink bands, lines and shading. Native to Europe.
– Treble Bar Moth – Pale brown wings with three crossbands in yellow, pink and brown. Found in Europe.
Prominent Moths
Prominent moths belong to the family Notodontidae. They have fuzzy bodies and large, tufted wing scales that stick out like prominences, giving them their common name. Many are green, brown or gray for camouflage.
Some prominent moths with yellow and pink:
– Baorisa – Pale yellow forewings and hindwings with pink bands. Native to Asia.
– Coxcomb Prominent – Brown wings with yellow border. Pink tufts on thorax. Found in Europe.
– Lunulated Willow Moth – Light brown wings with yellow and pink bands. Native to North America.
– Rosy Maple Moth – Pink body and yellow wings with pink and olive markings. Found across eastern North America.
– Scropia – Olive green forewings, pink and olive banded hindwings. Found in Europe and Asia.
Yucca Moths
Yucca moths specifically pollinate yucca plants and have an obligate mutualism. Their whitish colors contrast against the yucca flowers.
Some yucca moths with pink or yellow:
– Tegeticula antithetica – White body, pale pink wings with faint brown bands. Pollinates Joshua trees.
– Tegeticula cassandra – White body, yellow wings. Pollinates Mojave yucca.
– Tegeticula intermedia – White body, pink wings with brown spots. Pollinates banana yucca.
– Tegeticula yuccasella – White body, pale yellow-pink wings. Pollinates eastern US yuccas.
| Moth Family | Example Species | Regions Found |
|---|---|---|
| Arctiidae (Tiger Moths) | Garden Tiger Moth | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Sphingidae (Hawkmoths) | Oleander Hawkmoth | Asia, Africa, Europe |
| Erebidae, Arctiidae, Noctuidae (Underwing Moths) | Rosy Underwing | North America |
| Geometridae | Pale Brindled Beauty | Europe |
| Notodontidae (Prominent Moths) | Rosy Maple Moth | Eastern North America |
| Prodoxidae (Yucca Moths) | Tegeticula yuccasella | Eastern United States |
Identifying Characteristics
To identify the specific species of a yellow and pink moth, here are some features to look for:
– **Size** – Spans from small micro-moths to very large silk moths. Hawkmoths are some of the biggest.
– **Antennae** – Can be feathery, tapering, thin and smooth, clubbed at the tip, or other variations.
– **Wing shape** – Hawkmoths have long, narrow wings. Geometrids have broad, angled wings. Others have more rounded wings.
– **Wing pattern** – Markings, lines, dots, bands, spots and shading in colors like yellow, pink, black, white, brown. Underwing pattern may differ from forewings.
– **Body color and texture** – Can be fuzzy, smooth, iridescent, hair tufts. Often camouflage colors.
– **Proboscis** – Sucking mouthpart. Short in some, very long in hawkmoths.
– **Host plants** – Larval host plants provide clues. Ex: yucca moths only pollinate yuccas.
– **Location** – Native range and geographical distribution can vary by species.
– **Behavior** – Flying time, resting posture, feeding behaviors.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many different moth species spanning multiple families that can have yellow and pink wing coloration and patterns. Some key groups include tiger moths, hawkmoths, underwings, geometrids, prominents, and specialized pollinators like yucca moths. Identifying characteristics to look for include size, shape, antennae, wing patterns and textures, body color/hair patterns, proboscis length, host plants, native range, and behavior. With close examination and knowledge of the most likely local species, the specific species of a yellow and pink moth can be determined. Proper identification is important for studying biodiversity, tracking populations, and understanding pollinator ecology.
