Predator-induced-plasticity
Guides
Arctia
tiger moths
Arctia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, serving as the type genus for the subtribe Arctiina, tribe Arctiini, and subfamily Arctiinae. The genus was substantially expanded in 2016 following phylogenetic studies by Rönkä et al., which synonymized several previously separate genera. Species within Arctia exhibit aposematic warning coloration and have been subjects of long-term ecological research, including a 40-year population study of Arctia virginalis in California.
Arctia plantaginis
wood tiger, wood tiger moth
Arctia plantaginis, commonly known as the wood tiger moth, is a Holarctic moth species in the family Erebidae. Males exhibit striking color polymorphism with yellow or white hindwing morphs, both featuring black banding patterns that function as aposematic warning signals. The species has been extensively studied as a model organism for understanding the evolutionary trade-offs between predator avoidance, sexual selection, immune function, and thermoregulation. Larvae show predator-induced plasticity in warning signal expression, developing more melanized coloration when exposed to predation risk.