Spilosoma dubia

Walker, 1855

Dubious Tiger Moth

Spilosoma dubia, the dubious tiger moth, is a North American tiger moth described by Francis Walker in 1855. It inhabits aspen parkland and southern forests across southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. are active in late spring, with larvae feeding on specific plants.

Spilosoma dubia by (c) Mark Richman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Richman. Used under a CC-BY license.Spilosoma dubia on hand by Kristof Zyskowski. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Spilosoma dubia on leaf by Kristof Zyskowski. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Spilosoma dubia: //ˌspaɪloʊˈsoʊmə ˈdjuːbiə//

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

Identification

The dubious tiger moth can be distinguished from similar Spilosoma by geographic range and preference. It is smaller than the giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia). The similar agreeable tiger moth (Spilosoma congrua) overlaps in range and requires closer examination for separation.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 32–38 mm. The exhibits the typical tiger moth patterning characteristic of the Spilosoma.

Habitat

Aspen parkland and southern forests. Occupies wooded and semi-open environments with mixed vegetation.

Distribution

Southeastern Canada west to Alberta, including Manitoba and Saskatchewan; eastern United States. Distribution records confirm presence in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (Canada), and Vermont (USA).

Seasonality

are on wing from mid-May to mid-June. Single-brooded with a narrow period in late spring.

Diet

Larvae have been recorded feeding on Prunus serotina (black cherry). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Prunus serotina - larval food plantblack cherry

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae overwinter, with adults emerging in spring. Specific details of site and stage are not documented.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore; contributes to nutrient cycling in forest . Specific ecological interactions are not well documented.

Human Relevance

No significant documented interactions with humans. Not considered an agricultural pest.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Formerly placed in , now Arctiinae within Erebidae following molecular phylogenetic revisions.

Tags

Sources and further reading