Unlike many moths, the White-striped Black Moth is a daytime moth. Most likely as an evolutionary adaptation, this moth has incredible motion sensitivity. When disturbed, even at at distance of ten to twelve feet, the moth rises from the ground and heads off into the nearby brush or up the nearest tree. It does not land on the tree, but rather flutters to the top of the tree, disappearing into the foliage.
The White-striped Black Moth produces two broods per year. After over-wintering as a pupa, the moth emerges, feeds on members of the Meadow Rue Family (Thalictrum sp. -- Early Meadow Rue and Tall Meadow Rue). Adults mate and produce eggs in the late spring.
These eggs hatch into small green caterpillars that then morph into the second generation of adults as late summer approaches. This brood feeds on members of the Jewelweed Family (Impatiens sp. -- Yellow Jewelweed and Spotted Jewelweed). Once again eggs and caterpillars are produced. The caterpillars pupate and overwinter, starting the cycle anew.
