Lophocampa argentata

Packard, 1864

Silver-spotted Tiger Moth

Lophocampa argentata, the silver-spotted tiger , is a moth in the Erebidae, native to western North America. Caterpillars are densely hairy with distinctive black and yellow hair tufts and feed on conifer needles, particularly Douglas-fir. have reddish-brown wings marked with silvery spots. The species has been documented forming larval colonies in forest and can cause noticeable defoliation of trees.

Lophocampa argentata by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lophocampa argentata by (c) Justin Paulin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Paulin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lophocampa caryae1 by Benoit Vincent, Research Collection of Benoit Vincent. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lophocampa argentata: /ˌloʊfəˈkæmpə ˌɑrdʒənˈteɪtə/

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

Identification

distinguished from similar tiger moths by the combination of reddish-brown ground color and silvery spotting on wings. Caterpillars recognized by the pattern of black and yellow hair tufts along the dorsum; similar hairy caterpillars in the region lack this specific color arrangement. L. a. subalpina and L. a. sobrina differ in geographic range and associations rather than obvious external .

Images

Habitat

Coniferous forests of western North America, particularly old-growth Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock stands. Larvae occur in the forest , where they construct silken tents for . are found in forested areas near larval plants.

Distribution

Western North America from British Columbia south to southern California, extending eastward through Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming; possibly present in northern Mexico. L. a. subalpina occurs in the Rocky Mountain region, and L. a. sobrina in California.

Seasonality

: active in mid-summer (-laying period). Larvae hatch within approximately three weeks, feed through late summer and autumn, overwinter in tents, resume feeding in spring, and pupate in late spring.

Diet

Larvae feed on needles of coniferous plants, notably Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and also utilize Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), pinyon, juniper, and Monterey pine depending on and locality.

Host Associations

Pseudotsuga menziesii - primary Douglas-fir; major throughout core range
Tsuga heterophylla - Western Hemlock; documented in old-growth Washington forests
Pinus - Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) for sobrina
Pinus edulis - Pinyon pine; for subalpina
Juniperus - Juniper; for subalpina

Life Cycle

One per year. laid in clusters on needles and small branches in mid-summer. Larvae hatch in approximately three weeks, feed gregariously initially, construct silken tents for , and re-emerge in spring. Spring feeding occurs individually. in late spring in brown cocoons attached to vegetation or on the forest floor. emerge in mid-summer to complete the cycle.

Behavior

Larvae are gregarious, forming communal tents for protection. Groups of larvae remain in tents through winter and resume activity in spring. Defensive on caterpillars and pupae can irritate human skin. are and attracted to light.

Ecological Role

Herbivore in coniferous forest ; larval feeding can cause defoliation of trees, though and overall ecosystem impact not well quantified. Serves as prey for including birds and .

Human Relevance

Caterpillar and pupal hairs can cause skin irritation upon contact, representing a minor health concern for forest and recreationists. Larval defoliation of Douglas-fir and other conifers may have economic significance for forestry operations in some years.

Similar Taxa

Lophocampa maculataSimilar hairy caterpillars with yellow and black markings; distinguished by specific hair tuft arrangement and wing pattern
Halysidota harrisiiAnother densely hairy caterpillar in Erebidae; differs in color pattern and associations

More Details

Subspecies variation

Three recognized: L. a. argentata (nominate), L. a. subalpina (Rocky Mountains, associated with pinyon-juniper), and L. a. sobrina (California, associated with Monterey pine). Subspecies differ primarily in geographic range and plant associations rather than .

Canopy ecology

A study in Washington State documented larval colony distribution in old-growth Douglas-fir/Western Hemlock forest , indicating specialized use of mature forest vertical structure.