Princely Tiger Moth
Common NamePrincely Tiger Moth
Scientific NameSyntomeida ipomoeae
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsblack, gold, red, white, blue
HabitatOpen fields, gardens, disturbed areas, and subtropical/tropical environments where host plants are abundant.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (primarily Florida and Gulf Coast states), Caribbean islands, and Central America.
Host PlantsIpomoea spp. (morning glories, sweet potato)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in more temperate parts of its range.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs on host plants. Larvae are hairy, dark caterpillars with tufts of bristles, often gregarious. They pupate in a silken cocoon, sometimes incorporating host plant material or soil.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its iridescent multi-colored wings with white spots, contrasting with a black body and a bright red-orange abdomen banded with black. It is a day-flying moth.
Description
A striking day-flying moth with a black, fuzzy head and thorax, iridescent metallic wings that shimmer with gold, green, and blue hues, adorned with prominent white spots. Its abdomen is a vibrant red-orange with distinct black bands.
