Hypercompe

Hypercompe is a genus of moths of the family Arctiidae. Over 80 species are found throughout the Americas. Several species were formerly separated in Ecpantheria, which is now regarded as a junior synonym. They are typically large moths with white forewings heavily spotted with black, and brightly colored abdomens which are exposed when the moths are threatened. This is a form of aposematism; they produce copious amounts of foul-smelling defensive chemicals, which they ooze from special points of weakness on the thorax, to discourage would-be predators.