Silver spotted tiger moth

Silver-spotted Tiger Moth: Patterns, Behavior, and Life Cycle

Known for its distinctive silver spots and vibrant patterns, the silver-spotted tiger moth plays a vital role in various ecosystems. In this article, join us to step into the fascinating world of this insect, exploring its lifecycle, habitat, and the remarkable characteristics that set it apart from other moth species.

Silver-spotted Tiger Moth
Scientific name: Lophocampa argentata
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Genus: Lophocampa

Table of Contents

Silver-spotted tiger moth characteristic

The silver-spotted tiger moth is a type of tiger moth species. It has a stout body with a wingspan of up to 5 cm. Its tan/brown forewings are covered in silvery spots, while the hindwings are entirely white with a brown spot at the end of each wing.

Silver spotted tiger moth (Lophocampa argentata)

Its larvae are small, about 37 mm (1.5 inches) in length. They have a dark body covered with yellowish-orange and black bristles. They are known for their distinctive tufts of hair, including black hairs on the first and second abdominal segments, yellow hairs on the subdorsal clusters, and rust-colored hairs on the lateral clusters.

Habitat

These insects are primarily found in western North America, with a range that includes British Columbia, Canada, and parts of the United States such as Wyoming, California, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly northern Mexico.

These species are found in forests and woodlands, where it can be seen in areas with coniferous trees such as Douglas fir, spruce, true fir, and pines.

Diet

Silver-spotted tiger moth caterpillars mainly consume the needles of coniferous trees, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), but also occasionally on other conifer species like spruce, true fir,  and pine. They are known to feed in clusters, forming loose webbing on branches, and later disperse to feed individually. Adult moths do not eat.

Silver spotted tiger moth caterpillars gather to eat

Life cycle

The silver-spotted tiger moth has a well-defined annual life cycle. Adult moths emerge and mate in mid-summer (July-August), with females laying up to 450 eggs in clusters on needles and small branches of coniferous trees. The eggs hatch within about three weeks, in late summer.

The small, brown, hairy caterpillars emerge and feed gregariously inside a loose silk web during the fall. They overwinter in these webs, feeding sporadically throughout the winter. In early spring (March-April), larval feeding increases as the weather warms up. By mid-spring, the larvae leave the webs and feed solitarily for 2-3 weeks before pupating in cocoons in late spring (May-June).

The adult moths then emerge in mid-summer to start the cycle again. The moths fly and mate, laying eggs, and then die shortly after. Silver-spotted tiger moths spend less than 10% of their lives as adults. While the adult moths only live for a short period of time, the full life cycle of these moths from egg to adult takes approximately one year to complete.

Homepage
Author

Animal Facts 276

We are passionate animal enthusiasts with over a decade of experience studying animals. With a degree in zoology and conservation biology, we've contributed to various research and conservation projects. We're excited to bring you engaging content that highlights the wonders of the animal kingdom. We aim to inspire others to appreciate and protect wildlife through informative content grounded in expertise and passion. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of animals and discover the incredible stories they have to tell.

Leave a Comment