# Adela Adela is a tiny, colorful moth that flutters around flowers. Its beautiful wings can be seen in gardens and meadows, making it a delightful sight for everyone! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and meadows ![Adela](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Adela_cuprella_BE-MK-7-239a.jpg&width=800) Photo: Michael Kurz, CC BY-SA 3.0 at · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adela_cuprella_BE-MK-7-239a.jpg) ## Appearance The Adela is a small moth known for its incredibly long, often white or striped antennae, which can be several times its body length. Its wings are typically metallic green, blue, or bronze, shimmering with iridescent scales that catch the sunlight, making it look like a flying jewel. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Adelidae - **Genus:** Adela ## Interesting facts - Adela moths are often called 'fairy moths' because of their delicate look and magical iridescent shimmer. - Some Adela species have antennae that are three times longer than their entire body! - Their larvae are tiny architects, building and living inside a protective case made of silk and plant bits. - When many Adela moths gather, their synchronized flight looks like a sparkling, shimmering cloud! ## Special abilities - **Super Antennae:** Adela has extremely long antennae that help them detect chemical signals from potential mates and find nectar sources from a distance. - **Shimmering Signals:** Adela's iridescent wings reflect light in dazzling patterns, which they use to communicate or deter predators with a flash of color. - **Dancing Flight:** Adela males perform a unique, bobbing 'dance' in the air to attract females, showing off their long antennae and shimmering wings. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-25 mm - **Size:** 4-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Adela moths sip sweet nectar from flowers, while their larvae munch on decaying plant bits. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat decaying plant matter; adults feed on nectar and pollen. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, pollen, decaying leaves, plant detritus - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Meadow Buttercup](https://www.snappit.app/explore/meadow-buttercup) (*Ranunculus acris*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar. - **Pollinates:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Adults help spread pollen. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Small birds often prey on moths. - **Eaten by:** [European Pied Flycatcher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-pied-flycatcher) (*Ficedula hypoleuca*) — Insectivorous birds hunt flying moths. ## Traits - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch butterflies and moths from a distance to keep them safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Adela? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Adela's wingspan? 8-25 mm ### How big is Adela? 4-15 mm ### How long does Adela live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Adela fly? 8 km/h ### What does Adela eat? Adult Adela moths sip sweet nectar from flowers, while their larvae munch on decaying plant bits. ### Where is Adela usually found? Gardens and meadows ### How does Adela hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Sooke Mountain Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sooke-mountain-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Adela: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/adela)