Banded Tiger Moth (Apantesis vittata)

Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Banded Tiger Moth.

Updated: 2/5/2018; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

Banded Tiger Moth

The flash of bright color on the hindwings of the Banded Tiger Moth adds more intrigue to this uniquely patterned moth.

Though each species of Tiger Moth has its own pattern, it can be hard to see the differences between the banding patterns of species in the same genus. The Banded Tiger Moth is a medium-sized moth that is dark-brown, almost black. A crisscross of ivory bands do not stretch the full length of the wings, but cover most of them. A careful examination of the positions of these ivory bands is useful in differentiating between species. The bottoms of the forewings of this species have an ivory fringe border. The Banded Tiger Moth rests with its forewings flat, covering its hindwings. When the wings are spread wide and the hindwings are finally visible, they reveal a salmon pink and yellow pop of color.

Adults can be seen flying near flowers and above lawns as well as through meadows, parks and fields from spring into autumn. The caterpillars eat dandelions and a variety of other herbs before pupating into their flying adult forms.

Basic Information

Common Name: Banded Tiger Moth

Scientific Name: Apantesis vittata

Category: Butterfly or Moth

General Identification

Size (Adult; Length): 32mm to 42mm (1.25in to 1.64in)

Identifying Colors: black, ivory, pink, yellow

Additional Descriptors: banded, striped, lined, red, furry, flying

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Arctiidae

Genus: Apantesis

Species: vittata

Butterfly and Moth Anatomy

Graphic showing basic anatomy of a common North American butterfly and moth insect

1

Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.

2

Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.

3

Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.

4

Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.

5

Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.

6

Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.

NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.

Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed below as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections below indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Mexico

Territorial Area Map (Visual Reference Guide)

The map below showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Banded Tiger Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.

Alaska

Hawaii

Prince Edward Is.

Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic

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