Apantesis virgo

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Virgin Tiger Moth

A tiger moth in the Erebidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The was transferred from the Grammia to Apantesis in 2009 along with related . Two are recognized: the nominate form in the Great Lakes and Atlantic regions, and A. v. gigas in the southeastern United States. The species overwinters as larvae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apantesis virgo: /əˈpænˌteɪ.sɪs ˈvɜr.goʊ/

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

Identification

Formerly classified in Grammia; distinguished from related by genitalic characters and geographic distribution. A. v. gigas occurs in the southeastern United States including the Great Smoky Mountains, while the nominate subspecies ranges from the Great Lakes and Atlantic seaboard west to northeastern British Columbia. Specific wing pattern details for distinguishing from not provided in available sources.

Appearance

Wingspan approximately 56 mm. Pattern and coloration typical of tiger moths in the Apantesis, with contrasting light and dark markings on the forewings. Detailed coloration not explicitly described in sources; larvae feed on low-growing plants.

Habitat

Associated with low-growing vegetation including Thermopsis rhombifolia and Plantago , which serve as larval plants. Specific preferences for not documented.

Distribution

North America from Newfoundland south to Florida, west to Alberta. A. v. virgo: Great Lakes region and Atlantic seaboard south through New England to at least West Virginia, west to northeastern British Columbia. Subspecies A. v. gigas: southeastern United States including Great Smoky Mountains, south to Georgia and northern Florida.

Seasonality

active during summer months; larvae overwinter. Specific period not documented in sources.

Diet

Larvae feed on various low-growing plants, specifically documented on Thermopsis rhombifolia and Plantago . feeding habits unknown.

Host Associations

Thermopsis rhombifolia - larval plant
Plantago - larval plantmultiple

Life Cycle

Overwinters in the larval stage. Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages; details of site and adult timing not documented.

Similar Taxa

Grammia speciesFormerly classified in this ; A. virgo was moved to Apantesis along with other Grammia in 2009. Similar tiger moth appearance and .
Holarctia and Notarctia speciesRelated whose were also transferred to Apantesis in the same taxonomic revision; share similar morphological and ecological characteristics.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Bombyx virgo by Linnaeus in 1758. Transferred to Apantesis in 2009 when Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia were synonymized with Apantesis based on phylogenetic analysis. A. v. gigas was described by B.C. Schmidt in 2009.