The Eight-spotted Forester is a day-flying moth that closely resembles a butterfly, with velvety black wings marked by two yellow forewing spots and two white hindwing spots, plus bright orange leg tufts. It visits flowers actively by day and can be mistaken for a small black butterfly. It is one of the most striking moths in eastern North America.
Best time to see a Eight-spotted Forester
The best time to see a Eight-spotted Forester is April–June, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,897 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eight-spotted Forester? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eight-spotted Forester sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Eight-spotted Forester? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Eight-spotted Forester is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.