Figured Tiger Moth
Common NameFigured Tiger Moth
Scientific NameGrammia figurata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, orange, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bear' caterpillars that feed on low-growing plants and overwinter. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, with adults emerging in spring and summer, often having two generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific pattern of cream or pale yellow stripes on the black forewings and the orange hindwings with black markings. The 'figured' pattern on the forewings is key for identification among similar *Grammia* species.
Description
The Figured Tiger Moth has dark, often blackish, forewings marked with prominent, irregular cream to pale yellow stripes. Its hindwings are typically bright orange with varying black spots or patches.
