What do polka-dot wasp moths eat?

Answer by  Kath (1537)

As an adult they do not eat anything. As larva and caterpillar they feed on Orleander shrubs. They have huge appetites.

Answer by  vijidr (21)

The larva of the polka dot moths feed on the Oleander leaves. Young caterpillar feeds on the leaves in the back side, the veins are their main food in those leaves. They also feed on the devil's potato plants. During that stage they feed and lay eggs. The adults rarely feed or sting with their wasp.

Answer by  larrystate (129)

The larvae eat oleander (an evergreen shrub or small tree)or Devil's Potato (a vine). The adults prefer to collect nectar from Beggarticks or Lantana.

Answer by  m3ta4 (774)

Their primary diet of larva wasp moths or young wasp moths consists of Oleander leaves. As they get older and mature, their diet changes.

Answer by  alejandro (25)

Syntomeida epilais, or polka-dot wasps mainly feed on poisonous Oleander shrubs while in their larval stage and in the adult stage the preferred nectar sources are Beggarticks and Lantana

Answer by  JodiJ (312)

The polka-dot wasp moth, native to Florida, does not actually eat anything when it reaches adulthood. Nor can it sting or otherwise hurt you. The short-lived moths mate, lay their eggs and die. During the larval stages the caterpillars eat huge amounts of plant life; one of their favorite's is the oleander plant.

Answer by  tc085 (73)

The larvae stage of the Polka-Dot wasp moth, commonly called the Oleander caterpillar, is widely known for its gluttonous appetite. The caterpillar feeds in almost any location (excepting California) where its food, the Oleander plant, can be found. They are gregarious and can cause damage from minor to severe. It may also feed on devil's potato plants.