Bat-defense
Guides
Arctiinae
Tiger Moths and Allies, Tiger Moths, Woolly Bear Moths, Footmen, Lichen Moths, Wasp Moths
Arctiinae is a large and diverse subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 11,000 species worldwide. The subfamily includes tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Many species are characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and the production of ultrasonic sounds for defense and communication. The group was formerly classified as the family Arctiidae but was reclassified as a subfamily of Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Cycnia tenera
dogbane tiger moth, delicate cycnia
Cycnia tenera, commonly known as the dogbane tiger moth or delicate cycnia, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults display white wings with buttery yellow forewing margins and a yellow body marked with black spots. The species is chemically defended, sequestering cardiac glycosides from its larval host plants. It has been extensively studied for its sophisticated anti-predator defense: emitting ultrasonic clicks that jam bat echolocation and serve as aposematic warnings. The moth occurs across much of North America and flies both day and night.