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Bella Moth
Arctiidae?
27.9119, -82.7751
Field Notes
Description:
For the artificial fly used in fly fishing, see Woolly Worm (imitation).
Arctiidae
Harnessed Tiger Moth
Apantesis phalerata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Suborder:
Macrolepidoptera
Superfamily:
Noctuoidea
Family:
Arctiidae
Leach, 1815
Type species
Arctia caja
Linnaeus, 1758
Subfamilies
Arctiinae
Ctenuchinae (including Syntominae)
Lithosiinae
Pericopinae
Diversity
1,400-1,500 genera
Approximately 11,000 species
Arctiidae is a large and diverse family of moths with around 11,000 species found all over the world, including 6,000 neotropical species.[1] This family includes the groups commonly known as tiger moths (or tigers), which usually have bright colours, footmen (which are usually much drabber), lichen moths and wasp moths. Many species have 'hairy' caterpillars which are popularly known as woolly bears or woolly worms. The scientific name refers to this (Gk. αρκτος = a bear). Caterpillars may also go by the name 'tussock moths' (more
Habitat:
Many of the caterpillars and adults are active during the daytime. If disturbed, woolly bear caterpillars will roll into a tight spiral. Isabella tiger moths (Pyrrharctia isabella) overwinter in the caterpillar stage. They can survive freezing at moderate subzero temperatures by producing a cryo-protectant chemical.[9] The larvae of another species, Phragmatobia fuliginosa may be found on snow seeking a place to pupate.
Although abundant, few species in this family are of economic importance. Even the fall webworm, an abundant and highly polyphagous tree-feeding species that has spread from North America to Asia and Europe, does not do lasting damage to healthy hosts.
[edit] Folklore
Notes:
I could be wrong on all of the info I included, so let me know if you know more, which I am sure you do
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