Insect · GBIF taxon 1804974
Harnessed Tiger Moth
Apantesis phalerataAlso known as Harnessed Moth
Harnessed tiger moths feature striking black geometric patches framed by pale cream or reddish-yellow lines on their forewings, creating a harness-like pattern. Their hindwings range from pale yellow to deep pinkish-orange, accented with dark spots and borders. Caterpillars are dense, black, bristly larvae that feed on low-growing broadleaf herbs like clover and dandelion before overwintering under leaf litter.
NocturnalPatterned WingsAttracted to Light
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dandelions
- Clovers
- Plantains
Predators
- Bats
- Insectivorous birds
- Spiders
ThreatsArtificial light pollution, pesticide use, and habitat conversion.
HabitatsMeadows, fields, overgrown pastures, lawns, and open woodlands.
Life span1 to 2 weeks as adults; about 1 year total life cycle.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyErebidae
- GenusApantesis
- SpeciesApantesis phalerata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Trapping: Check porch lights or white sheets illuminated with UV lights late at night.
- Gentle Observation: Avoid touching adult wings directly, as fragile scales shed easily.
- Yard Care: Maintain patches of native clover and plantain to provide larval food.
Close Relative Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Family Relative "Woolly Bear Caterpillar Spotted!" by soomness is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Harnessed Tiger Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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