Donovan's Tiger Moth
Common NameDonovan's Tiger Moth
Scientific NameSpilosoma donovani
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (South Africa)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodNovember to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically hairy caterpillars that feed on various herbaceous plants before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the white wings with distinct black streaks on the forewings, a red costal margin, and the conspicuous red and black banded abdomen.
Description
A medium-sized moth with white wings featuring prominent black longitudinal streaks on the forewings and black spots on the hindwings. Its forewing costa is edged in red, and the abdomen is strikingly banded in red and black.
