Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Apantesis carlotta is a medium-sized tiger moth (FW length 15 mm; n = 3) with relatively thick white forewing lines and reduced black hindwing markings that has been photographed once near Boise during August. The forewing is black with a simple pattern of broad creamy white veins and cross markings. Longitudinal white markings are adjacent to the costa, the cubital vein and branch CuA2, and the posterior margin. Transverse white marks are the end of the cell, strongly zigzagged subterminal line, and the fringe. The costal margin is black. The hindwing is pinkish red or orange-yellow, with black costa and relatively few marginal black patches. The head is creamy white. The thorax is creamy white dorsally, black ventrally. The collar is creamy white, occasionally with small paramedian black patches. The central dorsum and central tegulae are also black. The abdomen is black with the bright color of the hindwing dorsolaterally.

This moth resembles other tiger moths in the genus Apantesis but can be distinguished by the relatively simple pattern of thick white lines on the forewing, the black costa, and reduced black patches on the hindwing. The black costa is unique to this species in our region. The most common Apantesis in southern Idaho during late summer is Apantesis nevadensis. Its forewing has a "busier" white pattern with fewer longitudinal and more transverse lines than A. carlotta, lacks the black anterior margin, and has a few black spots in the inner half of the hindwing that A. carlotta lacks.

Habitat

Apantesis carlotta is found in grasslands and is associated with prairies in most of its range.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

This moth has only been encountered once in the Pacific Northwest. A diagnostic photograph from near Boise in the western part of the Snake River Plain ecoregion. This occurrence is west of the known North American distribution of this moth suggesting that it might be an accidental introduction; however, it is possible that this moth is widespread in southern Idaho, a relatively poorly sampled part of our region.

Global

This is a widespread species in eastern and central North America, occurring on the shortgrass prairies from the dakotas to the Texas Panhandle to the eastern seaboard. 

Life History

Adults

The only record of this moth from our region is from mid-August. Apantesis carlotta is a nocturnal species that comes to light.

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

BugGuide

Moth Photographers Group