White Tiger Moth
Common NameWhite Tiger Moth
Scientific NameEstigmene albida
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, clover, dock, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) are polyphagous, and pupation occurs in a cocoon, often incorporating larval hairs.
Identification TipsKey features include its overall pure white coloration with variable black spotting on the wings, fuzzy white body, and black-and-white banded legs. The spots can vary in size and number.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a fuzzy white body and pure white wings adorned with scattered black spots. Its legs are distinctly banded with black and white.
