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Silver-spotted Tiger Moth

Lophocampa argentata

The Silver-spotted Tiger Moth is a beautiful insect with soft, furry wings. It has silver spots that make it look like it's wearing a fancy coat. These moths are often seen flying at night and are attracted to lights.

Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens, Forests

Appearance

The Silver-spotted Tiger Moth has bright yellow forewings covered in irregular black spots and striking, metallic silver-white patches. Its body is yellow with black dots, and its hindwings are a plain, light yellow. This combination of bold colors makes it stand out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusLophocampa
Silver-spotted Tiger Moth
furry trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Silver-spotted Tiger Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Silver-spotted Tiger Moths have no mouthparts and don't eat at all!

Its 'woolly bear' caterpillar can survive freezing by making natural antifreeze!

The dazzling silver spots on its wings aren't just pretty, they actually shimmer like metal!

When threatened, its hairy caterpillar can roll into a tight ball for protection!

Special abilities

Ability

Fuzzy Armor

Silver-spotted Tiger Moth caterpillars have spiky hairs that make them prickly and unappetizing to most predators.

Ability

Spotlight Shimmer

The adult moth has metallic silver spots on its wings that can flash in light, possibly confusing predators.

Ability

Stored Energy Flight

Silver-spotted Tiger Moths can fly without eating because they store all their energy as caterpillars.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-40 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on conifer needles, while adult moths don't eat at all!

Age differences: Caterpillars feed on conifer needles; adults do not feed.

Primary Foods

  • Douglas-fir needles
  • Western Hemlock needles
  • Spruce needles
  • Pine needles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Caterpillars feed on its needles.

eaten by

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

Bats are nocturnal predators of moths.

parasitizes

Tachinid fly

Phorocera rusti

Its larvae develop inside the moth caterpillar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silver-spotted Tiger Moth's wingspan?

30-40 mm

How big is Silver-spotted Tiger Moth?

15-20 mm

How long does Silver-spotted Tiger Moth live?

7-14 days

What does Silver-spotted Tiger Moth eat?

Caterpillars munch on conifer needles, while adult moths don't eat at all!

Where is Silver-spotted Tiger Moth usually found?

Urban areas, Gardens, Forests

How does Silver-spotted Tiger Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Silver-spotted Tiger Moth have?

6

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