Hebe Tiger Moth
Common NameHebe Tiger Moth
Scientific NameArctia festiva
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, cream, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, steppes, dry grasslands
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus, Central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia, China)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, knotgrass, hawkweeds, clover, nettle
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy, often called 'woolly bears', and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants before overwintering. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the contrasting black and creamy-yellow striped forewings and the bright red hindwings with prominent black spots. The red collar on the thorax is also a key feature.
Description
A striking moth featuring black forewings with bold, wavy creamy-yellow stripes, and vibrant red hindwings adorned with large black spots. Its body is black with a distinctive red collar.
