# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 27 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Virginian Tiger Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/-_8137_%E2%80%93_Spilosoma_virginica_%E2%80%93_Virginian_Tiger_Moth_%2848043810608%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_8137_%E2%80%93_Spilosoma_virginica_%E2%80%93_Virginian_Tiger_Moth_%2848043810608%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Spilosoma ## 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 - **Night Navigator:** Virginian Tiger Moth has feathery antennae that are super sensitive, helping it smell mates and navigate in the dark of night. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Eats adult moths flying at night. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Forages for caterpillars and moths. - **Eats:** [Common Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Caterpillars feed on its leaves. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Archytas apicifer*) — Lays eggs on or near caterpillars. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [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. - [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 Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and might fly away quickly. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Virginian 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Chenango Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chenango-canal) — New York, US · Historic Site - [Chestnut Street District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chestnut-street-district) — Massachusetts, US · Historic District - [Fox Chase Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fox-chase-farm) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic Site - [Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (Charleston, South Carolina)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/magnolia-plantation-and-gardens-charleston-south-carolina) — South Carolina, US · Botanical Garden - [Patterson Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/patterson-park) — Maryland, US · Botanical Garden - [Lupa Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lupa-zoo) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo [View all places to see Virginian Tiger Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/virginian-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: [Virginian Tiger Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/virginian-tiger-moth)