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Species Details

Platarctia parthenos

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameSt. Lawrence Tiger SeasonalityPeak activity from mid June to early July. IdentificationOur largest tiger moth. Arctia caja and Pararctia yarrowi are superficially similar, but P. parthenos has greatly reduced white markings on the forewing, and the round hindwing spots of A. caja are absent in parthenos. The extent of the dark areas of the hindwing and light markings on the forewing can vary, and have been named as several 'varieties' (Brower, 1973). D. Macaulay image
Scientific Name Platarctia parthenos Common Name St. Lawrence Tiger Habitat Found in boreal mixed-wood and parkland habitats. Also occurs in moist, shrubby arctic tundra. Seasonality Peak activity from mid June to early July. Identification
Our largest tiger moth. Arctia caja and Pararctia yarrowi are superficially similar, but P. parthenos has greatly reduced white markings on the forewing, and the round hindwing spots of A. caja are absent in…
Our largest tiger moth. Arctia caja and Pararctia yarrowi are superficially similar, but P. parthenos has greatly reduced white markings on the forewing, and the round hindwing spots of A. caja are absent in parthenos. The extent of the dark areas of the hindwing and light markings on the forewing can vary, and have been named as several 'varieties' (Brower, 1973). D. Macaulay image
Life History This species is semivoltine, overwintering first as a 5th instar and again as an 8th instar larva. Almost all Alberta and B.C. records for this species are from even-numbered years, suggesting it has a biennial phenology. Conservation Common. Diet Info
P. parthenos have been observed on willows (Salix) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Also reported on alder (Alnus) and paper birch (McGugan, 1958). Successful lab hosts include snowberry (Symphoricarpos),…
P. parthenos have been observed on willows (Salix) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Also reported on alder (Alnus) and paper birch (McGugan, 1958). Successful lab hosts include snowberry (Symphoricarpos), Taraxacum, and Galium (Kimmich, 1966, Deschka & Hoffmann, 1986).
Range From Labrador south to North Carolina, west to Alaska. South along the Rocky Mountains to Arizona.

Citation

Page Citation for Platarctia parthenos

Page Citation

"Species Details - Platarctia parthenos, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-235. Accessed 24 Sep. 2022.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Arctiidae Genus Platarctia Species Platarctia parthenos
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum