Arctic Tiger Moth vs Bronze Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Tiger Moth Bronze Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Grammia quenseli Altica ambiens
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Erebidae Chrysomelidae
Size 34-44 mm wingspan 4-6 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Tiger Moth

A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.

Bronze Flea Beetle

A metallic bronze to greenish flea beetle with prominent hind leg development. It feeds on alder leaves in wetland habitats across North America.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can cause nearly complete defoliation of alder shrubs, which then produce a second flush of leaves later in the season.