Arctia alpina (Quensel, 1802)

93-0284

Arctic Tiger Moth

Identification

Adults

Acerbia alpina is a spectacular, large (FW length 20-23 mm) colorful arctic and subarctic erebid moth that has been found on rocky mountain slopes in southern Yukon Territory not far from British Columbia. The forewing has an abstract pattern of cream spots on a black background with nearly undiscernible typical lines and spots; however, the pattern is probably black on white with fused thick black transverse lines and black veins on a pale background. The hindwing is orange with a hoary dark gray base, black veins, discal spot, and incomplete postmedial line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are nearly black with patches of orange, especially on the legs.

The relatively large size and distinctive colorful pattern identify this species. The only PNW moth with which it could be confused is Arctia yarrowii, another denizen of barren rocky slopes and mountaintops. Arctia alpina has a unique spotted pattern of the dorsal forewing, whereas the similarly colored Ayarrowii has this forewing pattern more clearly oriented in transverse bands

Larvae

Habitat

Arctia alpina is a denizen of rocky slopes and mountaintops.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

This species has yet to be documented as occurring in the Pacific Northwest but has been found not far north of the British Columbia-Yukon Territory border. It almost certainly occurs in northern British Columbia.

Global

This is a holarctic moth. The range extends east from Yukon Territory and northern Northwest Territory to northern Scandinavia.

Life History

Larvae
Adults

Adults fly during the summer, typically in late June and July. They are diurnal.

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

BugGuide

Moth Photographers Group

Rönkä K, Mappes J, Kalla L, Wahlberg N. 2016. Putting Parasemia in its phylogenetic place: a molecular analysis of the subtribe Arctiina (Lepidoptera). Systematic Entomology 41: 844–853.