Spilosoma vagans

Boisduval, 1852

Wandering Tiger Moth, Wandering Diacrisia

Spilosoma vagans is a tiger moth in the Erebidae, described by Boisduval in 1852. It occurs in western North America from southern California north to southern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. fly from late April through early August in dry forest . The larvae feed on herbaceous plants.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Spilosoma vagans: /ˌspaɪloʊˈsoʊmə ˈveɪɡənz/

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Identification

Forewing length 14–18 mm. Distinguished from similar tiger moths by its western North American distribution and association with dry forest . The specific epithet 'vagans' refers to its wandering or widespread occurrence. Two are recognized: S. v. vagans and S. v. kasloa.

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Habitat

Drier forests, including open ponderosa pine forests and mixed hardwood-conifer forests.

Distribution

Western North America: southern California, southern Utah, central Colorado north to southern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta.

Seasonality

on wing from late April to early August.

Diet

Larvae feed on various herbaceous plants.

Similar Taxa

  • Spilosoma virginicaAlso called 'yellow bear,' but occurs in eastern North America and lacks black bands as a caterpillar; S. vagans is western in distribution
  • Pyrrharctia isabellaThe banded woolly bear, with distinct black-orange-black banding pattern; S. vagans caterpillars differ in coloration and geographic range

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Sources and further reading