Tiger and Lichen Moths

Arctiinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Arctiinae: /ɑrkˈtaɪ.iːˌni/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cisthene Angelus (28739936336) by Grand Canyon National Park. Used under a Public domain license.
Cisthene barnesii 40676728 by Meghan Cassidy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Clemensia albata 04 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.
Clemensia (10.3897-zookeys.788.26048) Figures 13–15 by Schmidt CB, Sullivan BJ (2018) Three species in one: a revision of Clemensia albata Packard (Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini). In: Schmidt BC, Lafontaine JD (Eds) Contributions to the systematics of New World macro-moths VII. ZooKeys 788: 39-55. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.788.26048. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Cisthene picta P1400066a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Clemensia albata 01 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Arctiinae represent a diverse and colorful subfamily of moths, distinguished by their hairy larvae and aposematic coloration. They play important roles in ecosystems and have notable cultural significance, particularly in folklore concerning their caterpillars.

Physical Characteristics

Many species have hairy or woolly larvae known as woolly bears or woolly worms. Adults often exhibit bright coloration and some species possess tymbal organs for producing ultrasonic sounds.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic tymbal organ on the metathorax, unique wing venation patterns, and specific setae on larvae. Adults may exhibit aposematic coloration and unusual postures.

Habitat

Arctiinae are cosmopolitan, found in diverse habitats across the globe, including tropical regions where diversity is higher. Some species are found specifically in Arctic and temperate zones.

Distribution

Around 11,000 species worldwide, with approximately 6,000 in the Neotropical region. Known tribes include Arctiini, Lithosiini, and Syntomini, with a significant presence in North America.

Diet

Many species are polyphagous during the larval stage, feeding on a variety of host plants. However, some species are monophagous.

Life Cycle

Larvae typically produce a silk pad before each moult and may overwinter in the larval stage. Some adults are nocturnal, while some species are diurnal.

Reproduction

Females have anal glands near the ovipositor; some species exhibit mating behaviors linked to ultrasonic sound production.

Predators

Predation pressure comes from nocturnal animals, especially bats, which are targeted by some species' ultrasonic clicks as a form of defense.

Ecosystem Role

They contribute to the ecosystem as herbivores during the larval stage and as pollinators in the adult stage.

Economic Impact

Few species are of economic importance; notable species like the fall webworm are abundant but not damaging to healthy plants.

Cultural Significance

Woolly bears are part of American folklore, believed to predict winter severity based on their coloration; celebrated in festivals in various states.

Collecting Methods

  • Ground traps
  • Light traps
  • Netting during daytime or nighttime hours

Preservation Methods

  • Drying
  • Pinning
  • Preserving in ethanol or similar solutions

Evolution

The subfamily is monophyletic and has been reclassified from the former family status due to phylogenetic studies linking them to other groups within the Erebidae.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some species are commonly misidentified as members of the Lymantriinae subfamily due to similarities in larval characteristics.

Tags

  • moths
  • Lepidoptera
  • Tiger Moths
  • woolly bears
  • caterpillars