Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Phyllira Tiger Moth (Grammia phyllira)

Phyllira Tiger Moth Photo by Les Ferge. Check the photos tab for additional photos.
Photo © Les Ferge

Overview

Species Overview

Phyrilla Tiger Moth (Grammia phyllira) The forewings are black with thick pinkish-white or cream-colored lines. The hindwings are pink with black patches toward the outer margin.

Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Phyllira Tiger Moth (Grammia phyllira). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Summary Information
State Status:	SC/N
Federal Status in Wisconsin:	none
State Rank:	S2
Global Rank:	G4
Tracked by NHI:	Y
Species of Greatest Conservation Need:	Y

Documented locations of Grammia phyllira in the Natural Heritage Inventory Database as of April 2009.

Detailed Information

Identification: The forewings are black with thick pinkish-white or cream-colored lines. The hindwings are pink with black patches toward the outer margin. Send specimen to a specialist for identification. Tiger Moths caterpillars are conspicuously hairy. The larva is similar to G. Oithona (Oithona tiger moth), which is mottled deep gray and black with a series of yellow dorsal dots, and is covered with regular tufts of equal-length black hair (Forbes 1960).

Similar Species: Grammia oithona has fine white lines along the wing veins of the forewing. G. figurata has a continuous black marginal border on the hindwing.

Habitat: Extensive areas of sandy soil, generally supporting barrens or disturbed old field vegetation. Inland sand barrens, dunes, sand prairies and Lake Michigan dunes.

Nectar Source: Adults have a rudimentary tongue and do not feed.

Host Plant: A polyphagous species. Many plants have been suggested as possible hosts including wild lupine (Lupinus perennis), chinkapin (Castanea pumila), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and corn (Zea mays).

Associated Species: Grammia oithona.

State Distribution: Very local. Door, Manitowoc, Sheboygan county dunes; sand areas of the Lower Wisconsin River in Dane, Grant, Iowa, Richland and Sauk counties; and Jackson, Monroe and Waushara counties in the Central Sands. Also collected from Marathon and Marinette counties. Seems to still be secure in southern Coastal Plains and to be holding its own in Great Lakes region. Still a rather rare, vulnerable species in most of its range.

Global Distribution: Several disjunct ranges: Atlantic coastal region Maine to Florida; Great Lakes region including Quebec; Colorado to Texas. Scattered records elsewhere.

Threats: Loss of sand dune habitat along Lake Michigan to development and overuse of beaches. Habitat destruction by all-terrain vehicles. Closing in of open dune and sand prairie habitats due to succession. Burning of sand prairie may kill overwintering larvae and pupae.

Phenology: Two broods. Adults are usually present from late May-June and from mid-August through early September.

Life History: Grammia larvae overwinter well grown. Pupation occurs in a cocoon made of mixed silk and hair. (Forbes 1960).

Survey Guidance: Moths are readily attracted to blacklight if weather conditions permit moth activity. In general, a temperature in the low 50’s F or higher at dusk is necessary for successful sampling. Cloudy, humid conditions (even a light drizzle) with little or no moonlight are most desirable. New county records should be documented with voucher specimens.

Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Locate additional populations, particularly in sites where burning is planned.

Management Guidance: Avoid excessive burning of habitat. Divide area into several burn units leaving a majority of the area unburned in a given year.

Information originally presented as part of the Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens.

Photos

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