Hodges#8137
Spilosoma virginica
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Erebidae
- Subfamily: Arctiinae
- Tribe: Arctiini
- Subtribe: Spilosomina
- Genus: Spilosoma
- Species: virginica
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spilosoma virginica: //ˌspaɪloʊˈsoʊmə vɜrˈdʒɪnɪkə//
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Images
Summary
Spilosoma virginica is a moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae, known as the yellow woolly bear in its caterpillar stage and the Virginian tiger moth as an adult. It is characterized by its variable caterpillar coloration and white wings with a darker abdomen in adult form.
Physical Characteristics
Caterpillars exceedingly variable in color - beige/yellow/dark red-brown/black. Body covered in long soft hairs (setae) of variable length - some much longer than others, often with one long hair in the center of each tuft. Spiracles are white.
Identification Tips
When viewing the legs, S. virginica has tibiae and tarsi that are strongly white with complete or partial black banding dorsally along the tarsi. Eggs are typically yellow. It is often confused with S. congrua and Hyphantria cunea, especially when an abdominal view is not possible.
Habitat
Commonly found in yards, gardens, bottomlands, woodlands, and forests.
Distribution
Widespread throughout most of North America, more common in the eastern United States and western Canada.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of low-growing plants, including grass, clover, and woody shrubs and trees. Prefers common milkweed in some regions.
Life Cycle
Typically has two to three life cycles per year with one hibernating for the winter in temperate climates.
Reproduction
Females lay between 20 and 100 eggs in a single layer on the underside of a leaf. After mating, males search for females using pheromones.
Ecosystem Role
Caterpillars are defoliators, skeletonizing leaves, but are primarily damaging only during the late summer.
Economic Impact
Some damage to crops by late summer caterpillars, particularly when populations are high.
Cultural Significance
Known colloquially as the yellow woolly bear or yellow bear caterpillar; also known in adult form as the Virginian tiger moth.
Health Concerns
Not poisonous, but some individuals may have allergic reactions to the bristles on its body.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other woolly bear species, especially in overlapping ranges.
Tags
- Arctiinae
- caterpillar
- moth
- North America
- yellow woolly bear