Dr. Nicolas J. Dowdy
Head of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum
Tiger moths (family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae) are among the most colorful, diverse, and captivating insects. They also offer remarkable insights into how animals evolve diverse strategies for survival and communication. I will begin with an introduction to the major subgroups of tiger moths, their striking patterns and forms, and their global distribution.
A central theme will be the extraordinary ways tiger moths use chemicals obtained from their host plants. Many species hijack toxic chemicals from plants to defend themselves from predators such as birds and bats. These toxins make the moths distasteful, which they advertise with bright coloration and even sound. Some species have even taken sound production to such an extreme that they can disrupt, or “jam” bat sonar. These unique behaviors create a rich system for studying evolution, communication, and predator–prey interactions. I will review what scientific research over the past decade has revealed about how these moths use chemical and acoustic warfare to avoid predation.
I will also share ongoing tiger moth research at the Milwaukee Public Museum, including efforts to document global diversity and understand how complex traits evolve. Finally, I will highlight Wisconsin’s native tiger moth fauna and discuss where to find these species, how to observe them, how community scientists can contribute to research, and what can be done to support these amazing insects in our state.
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