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This gorgeous little girl (males have big, unique “tufts” along their abdomens) is a stained-glass moth or assembly moth, Samea ecclesialis. These very common moths are notable for being abundant, flying all year round, and for being of “no reported economic importance” (does that phrase bother anyone else?). They range all over North and South America.

Adults are about 8.5 – 11mm long, with males having the distinctive tufts on their bellies, and females being slightly larger. The white spots, especially on the hindwings, are almost translucent, hence the common name.

Here’s how to tell Samea ecclesialis from its cousin, Samea multiplicalis.

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