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Virginian Tiger Moth
ExploreInsects
Virginian Tiger Moth
Spilosoma virginica
The Virginian Tiger Moth is a fluffy, white moth with beautiful orange and black spots. It loves to fly around at night and is often seen in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Virginian Tiger Moth is primarily pure white with a fuzzy body. It often has small, scattered black spots on its wings. Its vibrant abdomen is yellowish-orange with distinct rows of black dots.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusSpilosoma
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Virginian Tiger Moths don't have mouths to eat; they live off stored energy!
Its fluffy caterpillar, called a "woolly bear," loves to munch on over 100 plant types!
Some Virginian Tiger Moth caterpillars can change their fur color to match what they eat!
This moth's white wings are perfect camouflage, reflecting moonlight to blend in!
Special abilities
Ability
Night Navigator
Virginian Tiger Moth has feathery antennae that are super sensitive, helping it smell mates and navigate in the dark of night.
Ability
Bat Evasion
Virginian Tiger Moth can hear the high-pitched sounds of hunting bats using special organs, helping them quickly dive to avoid being caught.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars are expert plant eaters, munching on a huge variety of leaves!
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed; they rely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage.
Primary Foods
- dandelion
- plantain
- clover
- willow
- maple
- sunflower
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Eats adult moths flying at night.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Forages for caterpillars and moths.
eats
Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
parasitizes
Tachinid Fly
Archytas apicifer
Lays eggs on or near caterpillars.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
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.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and might fly away quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginian Tiger Moth's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Virginian Tiger Moth?
15-20 mm
How long does Virginian Tiger Moth live?
5-10 days
What does Virginian Tiger Moth eat?
Caterpillars are expert plant eaters, munching on a huge variety of leaves!
Where is Virginian Tiger Moth usually found?
Urban areas
How does Virginian Tiger Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Virginian Tiger Moth have?
6
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