The Virgin Tiger Moth is a spectacular large tiger moth with intricate black-and-white forewing patterns and brilliant scarlet hindwings with black spots. When threatened, it exposes its vivid hindwings in a warning display and can release defensive chemicals. It is one of the most striking moths encountered at lights in the eastern United States.
Best time to see a Virgin Tiger Moth
The best time to see a Virgin Tiger Moth is July, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,060 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Virgin Tiger Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Virgin Tiger Moth sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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