Milkweed Tiger Moth
Image: Tomacoa28 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameMilkweed Tiger Moth
Scientific NameNyctemera lacticinia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, agricultural areas, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia (e.g., India, Southeast Asia, China, parts of Australia)
Host PlantsAsclepiadaceae (milkweeds), Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, typically black with orange or yellow markings, feeding on various host plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive pattern of white spots on dark brown wings, the orange and black striped head/thorax, and the banded black and white abdomen.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown wings featuring prominent white spots, an orange head and thorax striped with black, and a black and white banded abdomen.
