Nais tiger moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nais tiger moth |
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The Nais tiger moth (scientific name: Apantesis nais) is a type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Erebidae family. A scientist named Dru Drury first described this moth in the year 1773.
What Does the Nais Tiger Moth Look Like?
These moths are medium-sized. Their wingspan is usually between 30 and 42 millimeters (about 1.2 to 1.7 inches).
Male Nais tiger moths have mostly black front wings. These wings often have creamy white edges and lines. Their back wings can be red or yellow. They usually have a row of large black spots in the middle.
Female Nais tiger moths look a bit different. Their front wings have fewer pale lines. Their back wings have wide black bands near the edges.
Life Cycle and Habits
Adult Nais tiger moths can be seen flying from April to October. This means they are active for many months of the year.
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, eat many different plants. They like both soft, leafy plants and woody plants. Some of their favorite foods include grasses, violets, plantain, and clover.
Where Do Nais Tiger Moths Live?
You can find the Nais tiger moth in North America. They live in areas from Quebec and Maine in the north. Their range extends south to Florida and west to Texas and South Dakota. They have also been seen in Ohio.
These moths prefer to live in woodlands and forested areas. This means they like places with lots of trees and plants.
