Snow-white Tiger Moth
Common NameSnow-white Tiger Moth
Scientific NameSpilosoma nivea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsMorus, Ricinus, Artemisia, Brassica, Helianthus, Ipomoea, Nicotiana, Phaseolus, Sesamum, Solanum
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, active year-round in tropical regions, spring to autumn elsewhere
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy caterpillars, typically polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often incorporating larval hairs.
Identification TipsKey features include the pure white, densely hairy body and wings, which are distinctively covered in numerous, regularly arranged small black spots. The black legs also stand out against the pale body.
Description
This medium-sized moth has a very furry, pure white body and wings. Its forewings are densely covered with numerous small, somewhat elongated black spots, often arranged in discernible rows.
