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Giant Leopard Moth

Giant Leopard Moth

Hypercompe scribonia

A species of Hypercompe

The giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) has beautiful white wings with black spotted patterns. The larva is often referred to as "woolly bear" because of its fuzzy black exterior. When a larva is threatened, it curls up into a ball, and its fuzzy spines make it near impossible for someone to forcibly uncurl it. Adults play dead when threatened, exposing their colorful abdomens.

General Info About Giant Leopard Moth
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Attributes of Giant Leopard Moth
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
broad leaf plant
Larva Food Source
Leaves from a variety of trees and shrubs, particularly enjoys persimmon, sweetgum, and hickory, also feeds on other broadleaf plants, wisteria, sunflower
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Giant Leopard Moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
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Species Status of Giant Leopard Moth
They are distributed through North America from southern Ontario, and southern and eastern United States through New England, Mexico and down to Panama.
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Distribution Area of Giant Leopard Moth
Americas
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Appearance of Giant Leopard Moth
This species has a wingspan of 8 cm. The wings of this moth are bright white with a pattern of neat black blotches, some solid and some hollow. The overside of the abdomen is dark blue with orange markings, while the underside is white with solid black spots, and males have a narrow yellow line on the sides. Their legs have black and white bands. This species has a notable sexual dimorphism in size, the adult male reaching about 5 cm in length, while the adult female grows up to 3 cm.
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How to Identify Giant Leopard Moth?

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Life Cycle of Giant Leopard Moth
Egg The eggs of giant Leopard Moth are laid in clusters and are small, spherical, and initially pale, darkening as the larvae develop inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the giant Leopard Moth larvae, commonly called caterpillars, are voracious eaters with soft bodies, distinct banding, and setae (hairs).
Pupal As giant Leopard Moth enters the pupal stage, it forms a cocoon where its body undergoes a dramatic transformation, reorganizing into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult giant Leopard Moth showcases vibrant wing coloration and patterns. The body is fully developed, allowing for flight and reproduction.
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Adult Size of Giant Leopard Moth
3 - 9 cm
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Interesting Facts About Giant Leopard Moth
Giant Leopard Moth's larvae, commonly known as woolly bears, have groups of urticating hairs that can induce a stinging sensation when touched.
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Scientific Classification of Giant Leopard Moth
Tips for Finding Giant Leopard Moth
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Youth Habitat of Giant Leopard Moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Giant Leopard Moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Giant Leopard Moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of giant Leopard Moth are typically deposited on the underside of host leaves where they remain until hatching. The larvae, or caterpillars, can usually be found on various trees and plants, munching on the leaves. They tend to stay near their food sources, so checking the foliage, especially where the leaves are chewed, is the best way to spot them. As they develop into pupae, they migrate closer to the ground to find a protected spot to form their cocoons, often in the detritus or just under the soil surface. The adult giant Leopard Moth, a moth, is commonly seen around areas with significant vegetation, including gardens or near forested regions, and is more easily spotted during the night when it is active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Giant Leopard Moth
The suitable time to find giant Leopard Moth depends on the stage of the creature. The caterpillar is often active during daylight hours, while the adult moth is typically active at dusk or during the night.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Giant Leopard Moth
Warm, dry conditions are preferable for observing adult giant Leopard Moth when they are most active. Caterpillars can be found in favorable weather conditions, avoiding extremes of temperature.
Are Giant Leopard Moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Giant Leopard Moth
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Hurt Plant

Giant Leopard Moth larvae pose a threat to a wide variety of plants as they do not differentiate between hosts. They primarily chew on leaves, potentially causing damage ranging from mild to severe based on their population. Affected plants may exhibit defoliation and stunted growth.

More Effects of Giant Leopard Moth

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