Electra moth
Hemileuca electra
insectView on iNaturalist
Black moth with white spots and red hindwings. Caterpillars feed on native buckwheats; adults emerge in spring, supporting early-season pollination in coastal scrub habitat.
Plants that support Electra moth
3 plants
California Buckwheat
Eriogonum fasciculatum
shrub
Caterpillar food plant for multiple subspecies
Bay Area native
Chamise
Adenostoma fasciculatum
shrub
Larvae overwinter feeding on chamise foliage; emerge spring
Bay Area native
St. Catherine's Lace
Eriogonum giganteum
perennial herb
Host plant for caterpillar development; larvae feed on Eriogonum foliage
Bay Area native