Eight-spotted forester

Alypia octomaculata is a moth in the family Noctuidae, despite flying during daylight like many butterflies. Its black wings carry eight prominent pale spots, while orange tufts mark its legs.

The larvae feed primarily on plants in the grape family. Common hosts include Virginia creeper, grapevines, and related Parthenocissus and Vitis species.

The species occurs in eastern North America, especially around woodland edges, gardens, and places where grape-family vines grow. Adults are often seen visiting flowers in daylight during late spring and summer.

The forester has paired cream or white spots on each black wing and conspicuous orange on its legs. The grapevine epimenis has a different white-and-red hindwing pattern and lacks the forester's neat eight-spot arrangement.