Hypercompe scribonia

(Stoll, 1790)

Giant Leopard Moth, Great Leopard Moth, Giant Woolly Bear (larval stage), Black Woolly Bear (larval stage), Eyed Tiger Moth

Hypercompe scribonia, the giant leopard , is the largest eastern tiger moth in North America. are striking white moths with black circular spots and bars, while larvae are known as giant woolly bears—large, densely hairy black caterpillars with red rings visible between body segments when curled. The is , with males frequently attracted to lights. Larvae overwinter and complete development in spring, feeding on a broad range of herbaceous and woody plants.

Hypercompe scribonia by Asturnut (talk). Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Hypercompe scribonia 2 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) - Flickr - Jay Sturner by Jay Sturner from USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hypercompe scribonia: /haɪˈpɜr.kɒm.pi ˌskrɪˈboʊ.ni.ə/

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

Identification

distinguished from other tiger moths by large size and distinctive white wings with black circular and linear markings. Larva identified by solid black hair coat (no orange band), large size, and red intersegmental rings visible when curled defensive. Differs from banded woolly bear (Pyrrharctia isabella) which has alternating black and orange bands; from saltmarsh caterpillar (Estigmene acrea) which may be orange or yellow and lacks dense black hair; from yellow woolly bear (Spilosoma virginica) which is yellow or tan.

Images

Habitat

Found in diverse including meadows, fields, and areas with mixed herbaceous and woody vegetation. associated with areas where larval plants occur. Males aggregate at bright lights in suitable habitat.

Distribution

Widespread across eastern and southern North America: southern Ontario, New England, eastern and southern United States, Mexico, and Panama. Present in Vermont and throughout eastern US.

Seasonality

active nocturnally, primarily in warmer months. Larvae most visible in late summer and autumn when they leave feeding sites to seek shelter. Overwinter as larvae; resume feeding briefly in spring before .

Diet

Larvae feed on diverse woody and herbaceous plants including dandelion (Taraxacum), plantain (Plantago), violets (Viola), cherry (Prunus), and honeysuckle (Lonicera). feeding habits not explicitly documented.

Life Cycle

laid on vegetation hatch into larvae that feed through spring, summer, and autumn. Larvae do not pupate in autumn; instead they seek protected locations (under logs, stones, loose bark, or leaf litter) to overwinter. In spring, larvae resume brief feeding, spin cocoon, and pupate. emerge to complete cycle. Single per year inferred from larval stage.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit defensive curling : when disturbed, roll into tight ball presenting dense spines and revealing red intersegmental rings as aposematic display. ; males strongly attracted to artificial lights, sometimes appearing in large numbers at bright lights in good .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore contributing to nutrient cycling through plant consumption. Defensive suggests role in aposematic coloration studies. pollination potential not documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of winter weather folklore (incorrectly, as solid black coloration was misinterpreted as severe winter harbinger). Popular among naturalists for striking appearance and distinctive larval defenses. Occasionally encountered in residential areas when larvae seek sites. No economic significance documented.

Similar Taxa

Pyrrharctia isabella (banded woolly bear/Isabella tiger moth)Larva has alternating black and orange-brown bands rather than solid black; smaller; different defensive posture.
Estigmene acrea (saltmarsh caterpillar)Larva variable in color (orange, yellow, black) but lacks dense uniform black hair coat; associated with salt marshes and weedy areas; does not curl into tight spiny ball.
Spilosoma virginica (yellow woolly bear/Virginia tiger moth)Larva predominantly yellow or tan with black hairs, not solid black; different coloration.

Misconceptions

Larva was historically confused with banded woolly bear in winter weather prediction folklore. Solid black coloration was misinterpreted as predicting severe winters, but this is a different with no meteorological predictive ability. The orange band width in Pyrrharctia isabella is actually age-related (older larvae have wider orange bands), not weather-related.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Formerly placed in , now classified in Arctiinae of family Erebidae. Obsolete name Ecpantheria scribonia occasionally encountered in older literature.

Cryoprotection

Like other woolly bear caterpillars, larvae survive winter through supercooling and production of cryoprotectants (glycerol, sorbitol) that prevent lethal ice crystal formation, allowing survival below freezing temperatures.