Lophocampha (=Halisidota) argentata (Arctiidae)

the silver-spotted tiger moth


Adults:

Adult Lophocampa argentata moth. Yellowish brown moth, forewings with distinct silvery-white spots. Adults on wing in July and August depositing green eggs in clusters on host foliage. Douglas-fir is a major host in the lower mainland.



Larvae:

Dark brown late instar Lophocampa argentata larva. Small hairy brown caterpillars feed gregariously in webs on needles. They overwinter in these webs and move out from the web each day to feed when it is warm enough. Mature larva has tufts of yellow and brown hair, sometimes with dorsal tufts of black hair. Caterpillars pupate on tree or forest floor in June.

The young dark caterpillars are one of the first insects to start feeding on Douglas-fir in the spring. We get many calls from the public in March after people have seen early season activity.



Principal Hosts:

Douglas-fir, hemlock, lodgepole pine, grand fir, Sitka and other conifers. Included in this lab because their defoliating activities can seriously hamper seed-orchard production when prime seed-bearing trees are attacked.

Economic Importance:

Damage is usually spotty, this insect is generally controlled by its natural enemies.

References and Links:

FC: 216.

See HForest.

Additional Images:

Ventral view of adult. Mature caterpillar on Douglas-fir foliage. Dark brown late instar larva.
2 silk cocoons and a pupa. Frass filled web on Douglas-fir. Larvae nesting on outside of nest. Larvae always return to nest after feeding. Late instars are solitary.