Hobbies And Interests
Appearance
Tiger moths are named for the yellow, orange, red or white markings on their bodies and black markings on their wings. Their coloring is thought to help protect them potential predators. An adult tiger moth has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches. They have large, heavy bodies, which make them slower fliers.
Larvae
The larvae, or caterpillars, of tiger moths are hairy with black hairs on the top of their bodies and rust-colored hairs on their undersides. The caterpillars have been given the nickname "woolly bears." The caterpillars will feed on lichens and plants until pupation, which takes place in a cocoon made primarily of matted larval hair instead of silk like some other butterfly and moth species.
Tent-Making Caterpillars
Certain species of tiger moths, including L. ingens, when caterpillars, make tents of matted silk in trees and plants. These caterpillars are referred to as tent caterpillars. The caterpillars live in the tents and feed on the leaves of the trees and plants. The caterpillars can cause damage to the trees and plants while they inhabit the tent. However, the damages are rarely permanent.
Fun Facts
One type of tiger moth has developed a special defense against a common predator to all tiger moths: bats. Cycnia tenera, also known as the Toxic Dogbane tiger moth, can emit ultrasonic pulses that confuse bats as they hunt. Bats use echolocation to locate prey. The moth's pulses disrupt the bats' attempt to locate the moth by interfering with the bat's echolocation sounds.