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Species Details
Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameWandering Tiger
SeasonalityJune.
IdentificationThis species is extremely variable, which can lead to some confusion. The wing colouration varies with respect to both ground colour (reddish brown to light ochre) and the extent of the dark markings; the forewing may have no dark markings or exhibit faint bands, and the hindwing can vary from entirely brown-grey (except for the fringe) to reduced,dark submarginal and discal spots. However, other Spilosoma are predominantly white; S. pteridis is brown, and markedly smaller.
Scientific Name
Spilosoma vagans
Common Name
Wandering Tiger
Habitat
Open montane meadows and woodlands.
Seasonality
June.
Identification
This species is extremely variable, which can lead to some confusion. The wing colouration varies with respect to both ground colour (reddish brown to light ochre) and the extent of the dark markings; the forewing may…
This species is extremely variable, which can lead to some confusion. The wing colouration varies with respect to both ground colour (reddish brown to light ochre) and the extent of the dark markings; the forewing may have no dark markings or exhibit faint bands, and the hindwing can vary from entirely brown-grey (except for the fringe) to reduced,dark submarginal and discal spots. However, other Spilosoma are predominantly white; S. pteridis is brown, and markedly smaller.
Life History
No information available.
Diet Info
Unknown. Probably herbaceous plants.
Range
Southern B.C. and southwestern Alberta south to California and Colorado. The only known Alberta populations occur in the Waterton-Crowsnest area, with one record from Lethbridge.
Citation
Page Citation for Spilosoma vagans
Page Citation
"Species Details - Spilosoma vagans, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-220/9-246283. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
References
Author
Schmidt, B. C.
Title
The tiger moths (Arctiidae) of Alberta.
Publication Date
2000
Pages
36
Specimen Information
There are 27 specimens of this Species.
UASM12577 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Blairmore
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1918-06-22
UASM12552 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12554 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1920-06-20
UASM12559 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12562 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1919-06-21
UASM12563 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12565 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12567 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12568 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12569 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12573 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-24
UASM12580 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12581 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12585 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12586 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1919-06-21
UASM12587 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-25
UASM12588 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1921-06-24
UASM12597 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12603 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1919-05-24
UASM12604 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25
UASM12606 - Spilosoma vagans
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Hillcrest
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-06-25