Species Insects & ArthropodsNais Tiger Moth

Nais Tiger Moth

Apantesis nais

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Nais Tiger Moth (Apantesis nais)

The Nais Tiger Moth is a small, boldly patterned tiger moth with black-and-white striped forewings and pink-and-black hindwings that are flashed as warning when disturbed. It is one of many similar tiger moths in the genus Apantesis that require careful examination to distinguish. Its woolly caterpillar overwinters as a larva and is one of many 'woolly bear' species.

Habitat
Grasslands, meadows, and open woodland edges
Diet
Larvae: low herbaceous plants including dandelion. Adults: do not feed
How common
Common

Best time to see a Nais Tiger Moth

The best time to see a Nais Tiger Moth is May–August, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,506 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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