Giant Leopard Moth
ExploreInsects
Giant Leopard Moth
Hypercompe scribonia
The Giant Leopard Moth is a beautiful insect with big, fluffy white wings covered in black spots. They are often seen at night, fluttering around lights, and are known for their striking appearance.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Giant Leopard Moth has striking pure white wings covered in irregular black spots, some ringed with iridescent blue. Its fuzzy, dark blue body features vibrant orange markings along the sides and a segmented pattern, making it visually distinct from other moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusHypercompe
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Giant Leopard Moths don't eat; they live off energy saved from their caterpillar days!
Each moth's black spot pattern is totally unique, just like a fingerprint!
If caught, they sometimes play dead to trick predators, lying perfectly still!
Their spiky black caterpillars are called 'woolly bears' and can even survive freezing temperatures!
Special abilities
Ability
Startle Display
Giant Leopard Moth can flash its brightly colored blue-orange abdomen to startle predators, giving it a chance to escape.
Ability
Ultrasonic Evasion
Giant Leopard Moth has special hearing organs that help them detect bat echolocation, allowing them to perform evasive flight.
Ability
Chemical Defense
Giant Leopard Moth can release a foul-smelling, noxious fluid from glands near its neck to deter hungry attackers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-90 mm
- Size
- 30-50 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Flight Speed
- 15-20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars are plant-eaters, munching on many leaves, but adult moths do not feed at all!
Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious herbivores, while adult moths do not feed, relying on stored energy.
Primary Foods
- Common Plantain
- Dandelion
- Violet
- Willow
- Honeysuckle
- Maple
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Big Brown Bat
Eptesicus fuscus
Nocturnal hunter of moths, including this species.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Diurnal bird that preys on resting moths and caterpillars.
eats
Common Plantain
Plantago major
Caterpillars feed on its leaves, a common host plant.
eats
Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Larvae consume the leaves of this widespread plant.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Leopard Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
You can watch these moths, but don't touch them as they might be scared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Giant Leopard Moth's wingspan?
70-90 mm
How big is Giant Leopard Moth?
30-50 mm
How long does Giant Leopard Moth live?
5-10 days
How fast can Giant Leopard Moth fly?
15-20 km/h
What does Giant Leopard Moth eat?
Caterpillars are plant-eaters, munching on many leaves, but adult moths do not feed at all!
Where is Giant Leopard Moth usually found?
Urban areas
How does Giant Leopard Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Giant Leopard Moth have?
6
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