Specious Tiger
Common NameSpecious Tiger
Scientific NameApantesis speciosa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to southeastern US)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are dark, hairy 'woolly bears' that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bright orange and black-spotted thorax and forewing base, combined with a cream median band and dull brown outer forewings. Males have prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a bright orange head and thorax marked with black spots. Its forewings are orange at the base with black spots, transitioning to a cream band and then a dull brown outer half with prominent veins.
