Arctia opulenta

(Edwards, 1881)

Opulent Tiger Moth

Arctia opulenta is a in the Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is a small, restricted to high-latitude tundra across northern North America. The species is notable for its -alpine distribution and specialized larval diet on willow species.

Arctia opulenta by Vaughn Shirey. Used under a CC0 license.Gynaephora groenlandica by Mike Beauregard from Nunavut, Canada. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Arctia opulenta: //ˈɑːrk.ti.ə oʊˈpjuː.lɛn.tə//

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Identification

Differentiated from the visually similar garden (Arctia caja) by its smaller body size and distinctive structure. The combination of small stature, activity, and high-latitude tundra provides additional distinguishing characteristics.

Images

Appearance

A small with length approximately 25 mm. The exhibits the typical tiger moth coloration pattern but is notably smaller than related species such as the garden tiger moth. have distinctive that aid in species identification.

Habitat

tundra, alpine tundra, and subalpine tundra environments. Occupies open, treeless landscapes at high latitudes and elevations where willow occur.

Distribution

Northern North America from Alaska eastward through northern British Columbia to Labrador. Records also include Manitoba. The distribution spans the North and subarctic zones.

Diet

feed on Salix (willow) . feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Salix - larval foodplantspecific willow not identified

Behavior

are , an unusual trait among which are typically . Active during daylight hours in tundra .

Similar Taxa

  • Arctia cajaGarden ; distinguished by larger size and different structure

More Details

Nomenclatural history

Originally described as Euprepia opulenta by Henry Edwards in 1881 before transfer to Arctia.

Taxonomic placement

Classified in Arctiinae, tribe Arctiini within Erebidae following modern molecular phylogenetic revisions that merged former family into Erebidae.

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Sources and further reading