Utetheisa

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Utetheisa is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. These moths are commonly called rattlebox moths because their caterpillars feed on rattlebox plants (Crotalaria). Adults are usually bright and warning-colored, since they contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that defend them from predators. These chemicals are also used in the males’ pheromones for mating. The genus includes subgenera such as Utetheisa, Atasca, Raanya, and Pitasila. Some groups formerly placed here are now considered part of Nyctemera. Depending on the classification, Utetheisa is placed in the tribe Callimorphina or Nyctemerina, and the group is considered monophyletic (all members share a common ancestor).