American Copper Underwing
ExploreInsects
American Copper Underwing
amphipyra pyramidoides
The American Copper Underwing (Amphipyra pyramidoides) is a captivating nocturnal moth native to North America. Known for its clever concealment strategies, this moth features drab, bark-like forewings that blend seamlessly with tree trunks during the day, keeping it safe from hungry birds. However, when disturbed or in flight, it reveals a brilliant flash of coppery-orange on its hindwings—a defensive mechanism designed to startle potential predators. The caterpillars are equally distinctive, possessing a bright green body with a prominent yellow stripe along each side and a striking pyramid-shaped hump on the rear. This common but delightful species is a favorite among backyard entomologists and plays an important role in forest ecosystems as both a herbivore and a food source for nocturnal insectivores.
Habitat: Found in deciduous forests, suburban gardens, orchards, and parks across North America where larval host plants are abundant.
Appearance
The adult moth has a wingspan of 4 to 5 cm. Its forewings are mottled with dark brown, grey, and black, perfectly mimicking tree bark, complete with thin, scalloped lines. In contrast, the hindwings are a bright, shiny coppery-orange or copper-brown, with a dark brown border. The caterpillar is pale green, decorated with a yellow lateral line, a thin white dorsal line, and a characteristic pointed, pyramid-shaped horn on its eighth abdominal segment.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusAmphipyra
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The caterpillar has a distinct, bright yellow stripe and a pyramidal rear hump, which earned it the scientific species name pyramidoides.
The common name underwing refers to the contrast between the drab forewings and the brilliantly colored copper hindwings hiding underneath.
Unlike many moths that fly immediately when disturbed, the American Copper Underwing often prefers to run or scurry sideways along tree bark to escape danger.
Special abilities
Ability
Flash Coloration
Flashes bright copper hindwings when threatened to startle predators while keeping its cryptic forewings folded at rest.
Ability
Cryptic Mimicry
Forewings mimic tree bark textures and shades, allowing the moth to remain completely hidden on trunks during daylight hours.
Ability
Larval Pyramidal Hump
The caterpillar features a sharp rear hump that breaks up its caterpillar-like silhouette, helping it blend into leaf margins.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2+ cm
- Wingspan
- 4+ cm
- Weight
- 0.0001+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100+
- Incubation
- 150+ days
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of various deciduous trees and shrubs, while adults feed on sweet substances like rotting fruit, tree sap, and nectar.
Age differences: Larvae feed strictly on leafy foliage of woody plants, whereas adults transition to a liquid diet of nectar, sap, and fermenting fruit juices.
Primary Foods
- Oak leaves
- Maple leaves
- Apple leaves
- Tree sap
- Overripe fruit
- Flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
White Oak
Quercus alba
Caterpillars feed heavily on the leaves of this tree species during spring.
host plant
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Larvae use the foliage of this deciduous tree as a primary food source.
eaten by
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
This nocturnal bird hunts and feeds on adult moths during their late summer flight period.
eaten by
Big Brown Bat
Eptesicus fuscus
Uses echolocation to capture adult underwing moths mid-flight during the night.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify American Copper Underwing?
The easiest way to identify American Copper Underwing is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is American Copper Underwing?
2+ cm
What is American Copper Underwing's wingspan?
4+ cm
How much does American Copper Underwing weigh?
0.0001+ kg
How long does American Copper Underwing live?
1+ years
How fast can American Copper Underwing move?
15 km/h
What does American Copper Underwing eat?
Caterpillars feed on the foliage of various deciduous trees and shrubs, while adults feed on sweet substances like rotting fruit, tree sap, and nectar.
Where is American Copper Underwing usually found?
Found in deciduous forests, suburban gardens, orchards, and parks across North America where larval host plants are abundant.
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