Family: Arctiidae, Tiger Moths view all from this family

Description 2 3/8 - 3 5/8" (59-90mm). Forewings white with bluish-black circles; hindwings white with dark streaks. Male abdomen blue-black with narrow yellow line on sides. Female abdomen dark brownish yellow, with black spots along sides and crossed by series of broad bluish bands. Famale much larger than male.

Similar Species Nothing looks quite like this striking species.

Life Cycle Caterpillar very large, with thick, stiff, black hair; red bands on body visible when rolled into ball. Pupa black, with blunt projection at one end. Host plants are (leaves of) bananas, oranges, cabbages, dandelions, sunflowers, violets, and many others.

Flight Multiple-brooded; April to September, depending upon latitude.

Habitat Gardens, shrubby areas.

Range Michigan to Massachusetts and south to Texas and Florida.

Discussion The distinctive caterpillar is more commonly seen than the equally distinctive adult. Watch for adults at lights.