Ruby Tiger Moth
ExploreInsects
Ruby Tiger Moth
Phragmatobia fuliginosa
The Ruby Tiger Moth is a beautiful insect with bright orange and black markings. It is soft and fluffy, and it loves to fly around at night, lighting up the dark with its colors.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Ruby Tiger Moth has fluffy, reddish-brown forewings with small black spots, contrasting sharply with its vibrant ruby-red hindwings that also feature black dots. Its body is hairy and often reddish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusPhragmatobia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult moths mostly fly at night, but males are sometimes spotted by day searching for a mate.
Its 'woolly bear' caterpillar can make its own antifreeze to survive freezing winter temperatures!
Ruby Tiger Moths are found across a huge area, from chilly Arctic regions to warmer continents.
The hairy caterpillar of this moth can sometimes be seen speeding across paths in autumn.
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Taste
Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillars can eat toxic plants and store the poisons, making them taste awful to predators.
Ability
Flashy Warning
When threatened, this moth flashes its bright red hindwings, signaling to predators that it is not tasty.
Ability
Woolly Armor
Its caterpillar has a dense coat of stiff hairs that help protect it from birds and other hungry creatures.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars eat many types of plants, while adult moths primarily sip nectar or consume little.
Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious plant-eaters, while adult moths feed little, mainly on nectar.
Primary Foods
- Dandelion
- Plantain
- Dock
- Nettle
- Clover
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Woolly Bear Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to watch moths, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ruby Tiger Moth's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Ruby Tiger Moth?
15-20 mm
How long does Ruby Tiger Moth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Ruby Tiger Moth fly?
10 km/h
What does Ruby Tiger Moth eat?
Caterpillars eat many types of plants, while adult moths primarily sip nectar or consume little.
Where is Ruby Tiger Moth usually found?
Grasslands
How does Ruby Tiger Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Ruby Tiger Moth have?
6
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