Arctic Tiger Moth vs Swamp Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Tiger Moth | Swamp Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Grammia quenseli | Calephelis mutica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 34-44 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Wetlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe | Upper Midwest United States, Great Lakes region |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened; extremely local |
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.
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.
Swamp Metalmark
A rare and localized metalmark butterfly of midwestern wetlands with warm rusty-brown wings marked with fine metallic lines. It has very specific habitat requirements.
Did You Know?
Some populations consist of fewer than 50 individuals, making it one of North America's most vulnerable butterflies.