Virgin Tiger Moth
Common NameVirgin Tiger Moth
Scientific NameGrammia virgo
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, orange, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, clover, sunflower, aster, willow
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as 'woolly bears,' are hairy and dark, feeding on various low-growing plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in spring, emerging as adults in late spring to summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cream and black striped forewings combined with bright orange and black spotted hindwings. The bold, geometric pattern on the forewings is a key identifier.
Description
This moth features striking cream-colored forewings with a bold black reticulated (net-like) pattern, contrasting sharply with bright orange hindwings adorned with irregular black spots. Its body is also orange with black markings.
