Harnessed Tiger Moth – Apantesis phalerata Subfamily Arctiinae – Tiger and Lichen Moths Insects & Spiders | Moths Index | Moths | Butterflies Main | Butterflies Index | Skippers Hodges #8169. Live adult moths photographed at Winfield, Illinois |
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Subfamily Arctiinae – Tiger and Lichen Moths
Formerly family Arctiidae, this is a large and diverse family of moths with around 11,000 species in three tribes worldwide [2]. The most distinctive feature of the family is a tymbal organ on the metathorax which uses a thin membrane to produce ultrasonic countermeasures against their chief predator's (bats) echolocation system. Larvae of some species use sound along with color to advertise their inedibility; many species acquire chemical defenses from their hostplants e.g., milkweeds or dogbane.)
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References 1. Wikipedia, "Apantesis phalerata" 2. Bugguide.net, “Subfamily Arctiinae“ 3. Bugguide.net, "Apantesis phalerata" 4. Encyclopedia Britannica, Facts Matter, "Harnessed Tiger Moth" |
Order Lepidoptera: Moths. Unlike the butterflies, moths are usually nocturnal. Many moths and their caterpillars are major agricultural pests in large parts of the world. Moths in the family Tineidae are commonly regarded as pests because their larvae eat fabrics, clothes and blankets made from natural fibers such as wool or silk. Moths in the genus Farinalis feed on stored grain, flour, corn meal and other milled grain products. |