Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1123243

Delicate Cycnia or Dogbane Tiger Moth
Cycnia tenera

Observation date: June 29, 2017
Date notes: I first saw these beginning 6/25/17
Submitted by: Kristenpolo
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I planted common milkweed plugs in several areas around my house a few weeks ago. Most of the milkweed plants are currently being inundated with these. I have to remove several of them every day to prevent them from eating the entire plant. I haven't noticed them on any other plants. I did see two crawling in the lawn. They eat the young milkweed leaves, starting at the leaves closer to the ground. They tend to eat the smaller plants that are already less robust. Weather conditions have been hot during the days, sunny, with some thunderstorms.
Status: Resident
Verified by: curtis.lehman
Verified date: June 30, 2017
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): Somerset County, United States, New Jersey