Common in western North America, the ornate tiger moth (Grammia ornata) inhabits meadows, clearcuts and forests.

The adult moth has black forewings with narrow, yellowish streaks. The hind wings are red-orange with a black border and black spots. The head is yellowish and the thorax is striped yellow and black. This moth displays extensive geographic variation.

Ornate tiger moth caterpillars (larvae) are generalists feeding on all types of herbaceous plants throughout the spring. Dorsally the caterpillar is covered with black hairs interspersed with white hairs. The ventral hairs are orange. When disturbed ornate tiger moth caterpillars roll into a ball.

Adults are nocturnal. The males come readily to light while females remain close to their breeding area and food plants. This specimen was captured at night when it flew through an open door of a house along County Road 91 north of Lookout (ModocCounty CA). I assume since it was drawn to the light it was a male.

Apantesis ornata is another scientific name for Grammia ornata.