Arctia lapponica (Thunberg, 1791)
93-0285
YT
Quill N2, opp Nickel Cr, 4495 ft
61.5, -139.4
June 30, 2017, L Crabo/Schmidt/Pohl.
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Arctia yarrowii Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Arctia lapponica is a beautiful warm brown, cream, and orange large erebid moth (FW length 18–20mm) that occurs in north-western British Columbia and to the north in Yukon Territory during early summer. The forewing is usually red-brown, brown, or brownish gray with cream blotches on the costa and complete postmedial and subterminal lines. As in other arctiines the pattern might be due to expanded fused dark lines and veins on a limited pale ground. The hindwing is pale to dark reddish orange with variable dark basal suffusion. The discal spot is large, usually fused to the dark brown-gray to black basal area. The postmedial line is the same dark color as the base, thick, broken into several patches. The hindwing fringe is usually the same orange color as the rest of the wing, dark in some individuals. The head and thorax are the same dark color as the dark forewing elements except that the prothoracic collar and tegulae are cream. The abdomen is dark with orange on the distal portion. The male antenna is thick, serrate.
This species appears very similar to Arctia yarrowii but the forewing and body are warmer brown, usually distinctly reddish, instead of black. The white forewing pattern tends to be patchier with only a few complete transverse bands; those of A. yarrowii often form several complete bands across the wing. Arctia yarrowii and A. lapponica prefer different habitats. Arctia yarrowii is an alpine moths, typically in rocky mountainsides, while A. lapponica is found in wet tundra or riparian areas in boreal forest.
Larvae
The larva is densely hairy, dark gray with lighter tufts on the abdominal segments.
Habitat
This species prefers wet tundra or riparian areas in boreal forest.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Arctia lapponica has only been found once in the Pacific Northwest by Dave Holden who found a larva and reared it to an adult moth. It also occurs at several locations in southern Yukon Territory, including just a few kilometers from the border with British Columbia, and Alaska.
Global
Arctia lapponica is a holarctic moth. The range extends to Fennoscandia across northern Eurasia.
Life History
Larvae
The larva is most likely a general feeder on low plants.
Adults
Adults fly during the summer, typically in June and July. They are diurnal and have a rapid undulating flight. Adults do not feed during their brief lifespan.
Economic Importance
None.
