Painted Tiger Moth
Common NamePainted Tiger Moth
Scientific NameGrammia incorrupta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Montana and Colorado)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, alfalfa, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as 'woolly bears' and are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants. They typically overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black, white, and yellow-orange forewing pattern and the bright red-orange hindwings with black spots. The fuzzy white body with red abdominal markings is also characteristic.
Description
This moth has striking forewings with an intricate pattern of black, white, and yellow-orange irregular bands and spots. Its hindwings, partially visible, are bright red-orange with black spots, and its fuzzy body is white with red-orange markings on the abdomen.
