The Black-etched Prominent is a strikingly patterned prominent moth with pure white forewings intricately etched with fine black lines. Its caterpillar has a remarkable defensive display — a hump-backed posture with a red-rimmed false face on the thorax that opens to reveal bright red inner surfaces when threatened. Two red whip-like tails at the abdomen tip are also waved at predators.
Best time to see a Black-etched Prominent
The best time to see a Black-etched Prominent is June–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 477 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black-etched Prominent? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-etched Prominent sightings near you
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