Big-legged Bug vs Garden Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big-legged Bug Garden Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Acanthocephala terminalis Arctia caja
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Coreidae Erebidae
Size 17-23 mm 50-73 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Big-legged Bug

A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.

Garden Tiger Moth

A boldly patterned moth with chocolate-and-white forewings and red-spotted hindwings.

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Did You Know?

Its woolly bear caterpillar was the inspiration for weather folklore predictions.