Arctiidae

Common Name

Tiger Moths

Overview

The family Arctiidae, commonly referred to as tiger moths, comprises a diverse group of moths renowned for their vivid coloration and complex patterns. Once considered a large family of moths, recent taxonomic revisions have reclassified Arctiidae as a subfamily, Arctiinae, within the family Erebidae.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Brightly colored wings often displaying spots, stripes, or geometric patterns.
  • Adaptations for chemical defense, such as forming mimicry with distasteful or toxic species.
  • Presence of tymbal organs in some species, which produce ultrasonic sounds to deter predators.
  • Larvae(caterpillars) often covered in dense hairs, some of which can be irritative to human skin.

Life Cycle

  • Egg: Laid singly or in clusters on host plants.
  • Larva: Furry caterpillars known as woolly bears or woolly worms, feeding on various plants.
  • Pupa: Typically forms in a cocoon or underground burrow.
  • Adult: Emerges from the pupa with fully formed wings ready for flight.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Known for mimicking distasteful or poisonous species as a form of defense.
  • Nocturnal or crepuscular habits.
  • Some species exhibit migratory behavior.
  • Caterpillars feed on a wide range of host plants, including toxic plants that make them unpalatable to predators.

Notable Species

  • Arctia caja: Garden tiger moth, known for its striking color patterns.
  • Callimorpha dominula: Scarlet tiger moth, recognized by its bright red and black wings.
  • Spilosoma virginica: Virginia tiger moth, with its white fluffy body and orange-yellow legs.

Conservation

  • Varies by species, with some populations stable and others threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
  • Conservation efforts include habitat protection and pollution control.

Significance to Humans

  • Serve as pollinators for various plants.
  • Caterpillars of some species can be garden pests, feeding on a variety of crops and ornamental plants.
  • Used in scientific research for studying mimicry, chemical defenses, and insect-plant interactions.

Fun Facts

  • Bright Warning Colors: The brilliant colors on their wings often serve as a warning to predators about their toxicity.
  • Ultrasound Evasion: Some tiger moths can emit ultrasonic clicks to jam the echolocation of hunting bats.
  • Temperature Regulation: Woolly bear caterpillars are known for their ability to survive extreme cold by producing antifreeze proteins.
  • Variety of Habitats: Tiger moths are found in diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arctic tundra.
  • Symbol in Folklore: Woolly bear caterpillars are often used in folklore to predict winter weather severity.