Arctia opulenta

(Edwards, 1881)

Opulent Tiger Moth

Arctia opulenta is a tiger moth 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 Arctic-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 tiger (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 tiger moth with forewing length approximately 25 mm. The exhibits the typical tiger moth coloration pattern but is notably smaller than related species such as the garden tiger . have distinctive that aid in species identification.

Habitat

Arctic 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 American Arctic and subarctic zones.