Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1028920

Vestal Tiger Moth
Spilosoma vestalis

Observation date: March 14, 2015
Date notes: Actual sighting time was 20:02, but I couldn't enter the time correctly in the box.
Submitted by: jamburger
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Weather was warm--mid to upper sixties. The moth was attracted to our porch light in our backyard and attached itself to my black and white checkered shirt. When I picked it up, it seemed relatively content to sit on my hand. At some point it began beating its wings without taking off. This lasted about 30 seconds before it eventually flew off towards our porch light again.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Robert Martin
Verified date: March 22, 2015
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, Alameda County