# Williams' Tiger Moth (*Apantesis williamsii*) The Williams' Tiger Moth is a beautiful insect with striking orange and black markings. It flutters around at night and is often seen near lights, making it a delightful sight for those who spot it. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Williams' Tiger Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Apantesis_williamsii.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jacy Lucier, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apantesis_williamsii.jpg) ## Appearance The Williams' Tiger Moth has striking black forewings marked with bold white or creamy streaks. Its hindwings are a vibrant orange with distinct black spots or bands, making it easily distinguishable. The body is fuzzy and often dark with some orange markings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Apantesis ## Interesting facts - Adult Williams' Tiger Moths only live about two weeks, focusing on finding a mate! - Its fuzzy caterpillar is sometimes called a 'woolly bear,' even though it's not a bear! - These moths are drawn to bright lights at night, which helps scientists spot them! - They don't eat as adults; they survive on energy stored from their caterpillar days! ## Special abilities - **Warning Colors:** Williams' Tiger Moth has vivid orange and black patterns that warn predators of its unpleasant taste, helping them avoid being eaten. - **Chemical Defense:** Williams' Tiger Moth can release foul-tasting chemicals when threatened, because these deter predators who try to eat them. - **Hairy Shield:** Williams' Tiger Moth caterpillars have bristly hairs that make them look unappetizing to predators, helping them stay safe while they munch. - **Night Navigator:** Williams' Tiger Moth can fly efficiently in the dark of night, because this helps them find mates and food sources under cover. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-45 mm - **Size:** 15-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths usually don't eat at all! - **Age differences:** Larvae (caterpillars) are voracious plant-eaters, but adult moths typically do not feed. - **Primary Foods:** Taraxacum officinale, Plantago major, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, Poa pratensis, Trifolium repens - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Little Brown Bats are nocturnal predators that hunt adult moths using echolocation. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Blue Jays are opportunistic feeders and might prey on caterpillars or moths. - **Eats:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — The caterpillars feed on the leaves of dandelions. - **Eats:** Common Plantain (*Plantago major*) — Its caterpillars also find food in the leaves of common plantain. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [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 Williams' 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 Williams' Tiger Moth's wingspan? 30-45 mm ### How big is Williams' Tiger Moth? 15-25 mm ### How long does Williams' Tiger Moth live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Williams' Tiger Moth fly? 10 km/h ### What does Williams' Tiger Moth eat? Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths usually don't eat at all! ### Where is Williams' Tiger Moth usually found? Grasslands ### How does Williams' Tiger Moth hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Williams' Tiger Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/williams-tiger-moth)