Pestipedia

Virginia Moths

**Virginia Moths** most commonly refers to the **Virginia Tiger Moth** (*Spilosoma virginica*). It is a common, pure white moth whose caterpillar, the **Yellow Woolly Bear**, is a highly polyphagous garden and minor agricultural pest. The conflict is **foliage destruction**: the caterpillar feeds gregariously on a wide variety of plants, including ornamentals, vegetables (corn, bean, beet), and herbs, causing noticeable defoliation, though it rarely causes significant economic loss in large fields.

Taxonomy and Classification

Virginia Tiger Moths belong to the Order Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) and the Family Erebidae. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Physical Description

Adult wingspans are 35 mm to 45 mm.

  • **Adult (Key ID):** Pure white moth; abdomen often has black spots along the top and sides.
  • **Larva (Key ID):** The **Yellow Woolly Bear** caterpillar; densely covered in long, soft hairs (setae) that can range in color from pale yellow to brown; they curl up when disturbed.
  • **Damage ID:** Ragged or chewed holes in the foliage of garden and vegetable plants.
  • **Conflict:** Ornamental, Minor Agricultural.

Distribution and Habitat

Found across North America. Habitat includes gardens, nurseries, vegetable fields, and weed patches. They are common late-season feeders.

Behavior and Conflict

The conflict is their wide host range.

  • **Polyphagy:** Their willingness to feed on virtually any plant makes them a common garden pest.
  • **Defensive Hairs:** The hairs can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive people.

Management and Prevention

Management is **Physical Removal and Targeted Biological Control**.

  • **Physical Control (Key):**
    • Hand-picking the caterpillars from garden plants and dropping them into soapy water.
  • **Biological Control:**
    • Targeted application of *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt), a bacterial insecticide specific to caterpillars, is highly effective on small larvae.

    • Conservation and Research

    They are a minor generalist pest, and research typically focuses on broad-spectrum integrated pest management strategies applicable to garden caterpillar populations.