Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 906319

Ranchman's Tiger Moth
Platyprepia virginalis

Observation date: June 18, 2013
Submitted by: Ken Blanding
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I thought I was chasing Red Admirals, or Painted Ladies, or some sexually dimorphic butterfly. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was the high variable "Ranchman's Tiger Moth - Platyprepia virginalis", not a butterfly at all! The photo shows how black the hind-wing can be, showing very little orange. I hope to snap another photo showing how orange the hind-wing can be. I now know the identity of the caterpillars that I've seen!
Status: Resident
Verified by: davidwdroppers
Verified date: June 20, 2013
Coordinator notes: They've had a good year. They are showing up in many areas where I haven't seen them before.
Checklist region(s): United States, Washington, Clark County