St. Lawrence Tiger Moth
Common NameSt. Lawrence Tiger Moth
Scientific NamePlatarctia parthenos
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, orange, black
HabitatConiferous and mixed forests, bogs, swamps, moist woodlands
Geographic RangeNorthern North America (Canada and northern US)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, willow, birch, aspen, blueberry, various conifers
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bears' that feed on a variety of plants and overwinter before pupating. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of dark brown forewings with white spots and bright orange hindwings with black bands. The reddish-orange collar on the thorax is also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings adorned with irregular white spots, and vibrant orange hindwings featuring broad black bands. The thorax has a distinctive reddish-orange collar.
