Yellow-collared scape moth vs Eight-spotted forester

These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a yellow-collared scape moth from an eight-spotted forester, and whether either one bites or stings.

≠The key differences

Narrower-winged and plain dark with a yellow-orange collar on the thorax; it lacks the large pale spots on the wings.

	Yellow-collared scape moth	Eight-spotted forester
To humans	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
Size	Wingspan 25-35 mm	30-40 mm wingspan
Colours	Black, Yellow, Orange, Metallic blue	Black, Orange, Yellow, White
Family	Erebidae	Noctuidae
Habitat	Open habitats: meadows, fields, roadsides, gardens, and other grassy areas	Woodland edges, gardens, vineyards, hedgerows and riparian areas where host vines grow
Range	Widespread across much of North America, including southern Canada and the United States	Eastern North America: from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern United States, south into parts of the southeastern US
Active	Late spring to autumn (months vary by latitude); primarily day-flying and active at dusk	Day-active; adults fly in spring and summer (one to two broods depending on latitude)
Pest?	No	No

Narrow dark brownish-black wings with no bold markings; hindwings pale and translucent at the base
Distinct yellow to orange collar (thoracic tuft) immediately behind the head
Slim, dark body, sometimes with a bluish sheen
Day-flying habit and frequent visits to flowers in sunny grassy areas

Look for a black moth with two pale yellow spots on each forewing and two white spots on each hindwing (eight spots total).
Day-flying behavior: active in daylight on flowers or resting on leaves.
Wingspan about 30-40 mm, a stout black body and orange hair tufts on the front and middle legs.
Caterpillars on grape or Virginia creeper banded in orange, black and white are likely Alypia caterpillars.

Narrower-winged and plain dark with a yellow-orange collar on the thorax; it lacks the large pale spots on the wings.

Yellow-collared scape moth: Non-toxic. Eight-spotted forester: Non-toxic. Adults do not bite or sting. Harmless to people.

Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.