Grammia

Grammia is a genus of moths in the subfamily Arctiinae, family Erebidae. Members of Grammia are part of the tiger moths, and their larvae are commonly known as woolly bears. The genus is native to North America, with species occupying a variety of temperate habitats from Canada to Mexico.

Adult Grammia moths typically have sturdy bodies and boldly patterned wings that feature contrasting bands or patches of black, white, and sometimes orange. Wing patterns vary among species and are often used in field identification, though accurate classification usually requires careful examination of adults’ morphology and, in some cases, genitalia or DNA data.

Like many Arctiinae, some Grammia species have chemical defenses derived from host plants and can emit ultrasonic sounds to disrupt bat echolocation, a trait that aids in predator avoidance. The larvae are often conspicuously hairy and are sometimes referenced as woolly bears.

Taxonomically, Grammia was long treated within the family Arctiidae, but modern classifications place it in the subfamily Arctiinae within Erebidae. The genus includes numerous described species, and taxonomic boundaries have shifted with revisions in morphology and molecular data, leading to occasional reassignments of species to or from Grammia.

If someone is researching "grammia" and means a different term or an alternate spelling, they may intend Grammia (moths) or other similarly named groups; checking authoritative taxonomic databases can help confirm the correct spelling and classification.