Apantesis williamsii
(Dodge, 1871)
Williams' Tiger Moth
A tiger moth of the Erebidae found across northern North America. are attracted to ultraviolet light. The was transferred from the Grammia to Apantesis during a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. Two are recognized: the nominate form and A. w. tooele from central Utah.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apantesis williamsii: //əˈpæn.tə.sɪs wɪlˈjæmz.i.aɪ//
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Identification
Forewing length is approximately 14.9 mm. Specific pattern details for distinguishing this from other Apantesis are not documented in available sources. The Apantesis can be distinguished from related tiger moths by genitalic characters and molecular data, though field identification to species level typically requires examination of pattern elements on forewings and hindwings.
Images
Distribution
North America from Northwest Territories east to northern Great Lakes region, New Brunswick, and New England. Occurs throughout the northern Great Plains, south at higher elevations to Arizona and New Mexico, west to south-eastern British Columbia and eastern California.
Diet
Larvae have been reared on a variety of forbs and are probably general feeders on herbaceous plants and grasses.
Similar Taxa
- Apantesis phalerataSimilar tiger moth in the same with overlapping range; pattern differences distinguish the two
- Grammia speciesFormerly classified in this before taxonomic revision; other Grammia share similar and were also moved to Apantesis or related genera