Williams' Tiger Moth
Common NameWilliams' Tiger Moth
Scientific NameApantesis williamsii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, reddish-pink
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, prairies, and riparian areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and eastward to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico.
Host Plantsdandelions, plantain, clover, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs hatch into hairy 'woolly bear' caterpillars that feed on various low-growing plants before pupating.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the unique cream-colored, irregular 'W' or 'M' shaped markings on the dark brown forewings, along with a fuzzy, striped thorax and a reddish-pink abdomen (if visible).
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings adorned with prominent, irregular cream-colored stripes that form a distinctive pattern. Its fuzzy thorax is striped brown and cream, and the abdomen is reddish-pink with black spots.
