Arctiid moths

Arctiids or tiger moths, often times have bright colors. This family includes other groups such as footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Caterpillars are usually "hairy" and are very active. When disturbed, many caterpillars quickly "jump" off where they are resting and fall to the ground while curling into a ball. While most Arctiids are nocturnal, there are many species that fly in the day time or are more active at twilight hours. Adults visit flowers. Arctiids have a tymbal organ on the metathorax which produces sounds used mating and for defense against predators. When disturbing certain species, such as "the faithful beauty" (Composia fidelissima) you can hear this noise quite clearly.