Agastus Tiger Moth
Common NameAgastus Tiger Moth
Scientific NameIdalus agastus
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorscream, black, yellow, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil).
Host PlantsUnknown, likely polyphagous on various broadleaf plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, or during warmer, wetter months.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae of Arctiinae are typically hairy (often called 'woolly bears') and feed on a variety of plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often incorporating larval hairs.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cream, black, yellow-orange, and red geometric pattern on the forewings, combined with the bright red markings on the thorax and head. The pale hindwings with a single dark spot are also characteristic.
Description
This moth has cream-colored forewings adorned with intricate black geometric stripes and prominent yellow-orange patches, particularly at the base and costa. Its thorax is strikingly marked with red, and the paler hindwings each bear a single dark spot.
