Harnessed Tiger Moth
Common NameHarnessed Tiger Moth
Scientific NameApantesis phalerata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorscream, black, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, sunflower, corn, alfalfa
Flight PeriodMay to October (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bears' that feed on various low-growing plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring, emerging as adults later in the season.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the cream forewings with a distinctive pattern of thick black stripes and bands, and the bright orange hindwings with black spots, which are often visible even when the moth is at rest.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cream-colored forewings featuring bold, thick black stripes and bands. The hindwings are bright orange with several distinct black spots. The thorax is cream with black markings, and the abdomen is orange with black dorsal spots.
