Carissa Tiger Moth
Common NameCarissa Tiger Moth
Scientific NameCreatonotos gangis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, grey, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical regions, including agricultural areas, gardens, and forests
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Northern Australia, parts of India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan
Host PlantsHeliotropium, rice, maize, sorghum, coffee, tea, cotton, Carissa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy, polyphagous caterpillars that feed on a wide range of plants. They pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled forewings combined with bright orange hindwings that have a single black spot. The orange abdomen with black markings is also a key feature; males possess large, inflatable coremata.
Description
This moth features mottled forewings with patterns of dark brown and greyish-white, while the hindwings are a striking bright orange with a single prominent black spot. Its abdomen is also orange with black markings.
