Mouse-colored Tiger Moth
Common NameMouse-colored Tiger Moth
Scientific NameSpilosoma vestale
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgrey, yellow, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy 'woolly bear' caterpillars, typically dark with reddish-brown tufts, and pupate in a cocoon incorporating larval hairs.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the plain, unpatterned grey wings and the bright yellow abdomen with a distinct dorsal row of black spots.
Description
This moth has uniformly pale grey to brownish-grey wings, a dark head and thorax, and a striking yellow abdomen marked with a dorsal row of black spots.
