Although moths are stereotypically drab, the banded tiger moth, like other tiger moths, are quite colorful and attractive.
Donna Brunet
Banded Tiger Moth
Apantesis vittata
Family:
Erebidae (tiger, lichen, tussock, and underwing moths)
Description:
Adult banded tiger moths usually rest with the wings held rooflike over their bodies, or else held flat out to the sides. The forewings are mostly black, with cream-colored markings. The hindwings usually have reddish marking and a broad black border.
The larvae of most tiger moths are usually hairy and are sometimes called “woolly bears.” When disturbed, they commonly roll up in a ball. Be careful when handling, as touching the hairs of some tiger moth caterpillars can cause dermatitis or stinging in some people.
Several similar species of tiger moths live in Missouri. Some can be difficult to tell apart.
Size:
Wingspan: 1¼–1¾ inches.
Habitat and conservation:
Tiger moths are often attracted to lights at night. This moth mostly occurs in and around fields and lawns, parks, and disturbed areas, in both rural and urban settings.
Foods:
Larvae feed on a variety of low-growing herbaceous plants, including dandelions.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Life cycle:
Adults fly from March or early April into October. There are probably two broods in Missouri. Most tiger moths overwinter as full-grown caterpillars or in the pupal stage. Cocoons usually contain caterpillar hairs.
Human connections:
Mottephobia is the fear of moths. Mottephobic people have the same strong panic reaction when confronted with moths as arachnophobic people have about spiders. As with other anxiety disorders, various types of therapy and even medication can help when the phobia is severe.
Ecosystem connections:
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation. The bright colors of tiger moths usually announce the presence of inedible chemicals in their bodies. Other tiger moths, that are edible, gain protection via similar color patterns.
Similar Species
Tiger and Lichen Moths
Subfamily Arctiinae (formerly a family)
Painted Lichen Moth
Hypoprepia fucosa
Black-and-Yellow Lichen Moth
Lycomorpha pholus
Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
Cisseps fulvicollis
Isabella Tiger Moth (Woolly Bear; Woolly Worm)
Pyrrharctia isabella
Moths
More than 12,000 species in North America north of Mexico
Prominent Moths
About 50 species recorded from Missouri
Virginia Creeper Sphinx
Darapsa myron
Noctuid Moths
More than 2,500 species in North America north of Mexico
Sphinx Moths (Hawk Moths)
More than 50 species in Missouri
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.