# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Urban areas, Gardens, Forests ![Silver-spotted Tiger Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lophocampa_argentata.jpg&width=800) Photo: Cheryl Moorehead, individual, United States, CC BY 3.0 us · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lophocampa_argentata.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Lophocampa ## 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 - **Fuzzy Armor:** Silver-spotted Tiger Moth caterpillars have spiky hairs that make them prickly and unappetizing to most predators. - **Spotlight Shimmer:** The adult moth has metallic silver spots on its wings that can flash in light, possibly confusing predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Bats are nocturnal predators of moths. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid fly (*Phorocera rusti*) — Its larvae develop inside the moth caterpillar. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Silver-spotted Tiger Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Lower Cushman Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lower-cushman-dam) — Washington, US · Historic Site - [Marymoor Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marymoor-park) — Washington, US · Nature Reserve - [Englishman River Falls Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/englishman-river-falls-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/point-defiance-zoo-and-aquarium) — Washington, US · Zoo - [Cushman Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cushman-dam) — Washington, US · Historic Site - [Elwha Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/elwha-dam) — Washington, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Silver-spotted Tiger Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/silver-spotted-tiger-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Silver-spotted Tiger Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/silver-spotted-tiger-moth)