_focus_stacking-20230503-RM-151903.jpg&width=800)
Angle Shades
ExploreInsects
Angle Shades
Phlogophora meticulosa
The Angle Shades is a special moth that looks like a leaf! It can be found resting on trees and bushes, blending in with nature. This helps it stay safe from birds and other animals.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Angle Shades moth has uniquely crinkled, jagged-edged wings that resemble autumn leaves. Its color palette ranges from pinkish-brown to olive-green, often with a striking pale 'W' mark. The distinct sharp angles of its wings make it visually different from most other moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusPhlogophora
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult moths love sugary tree sap and rotting fruit juices even more than flower nectar.
Angle Shades caterpillars can change their skin color to match the leaves they are eating!
Its caterpillars are amazing mimics, sometimes looking just like twigs or even bird droppings!
This moth is a superstar traveler, occasionally crossing seas on strong winds to new lands!
Special abilities
Ability
Leafy Disguise
Angle Shades has crinkled, jagged wings that helps them perfectly blend in as a dead or crumpled leaf, hiding from predators.
Ability
Glow-in-the-Dark Eyes
Angle Shades has eyes that glow a reddish color in a flashlight beam, helping them navigate and see in the darkest night.
Ability
All-Season Flyer
Angle Shades can have multiple generations each year, allowing them to be spotted even in colder months or early spring.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-55 mm
- Size
- 20-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on many plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar and tree sap.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat plant leaves; adults drink nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit juices.
Primary Foods
- Urtica dioica
- Taraxacum officinale
- Rumex obtusifolius
- Hedera helix
- Rubus fruticosus aggregate
Ecological connections
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
A common garden bird that preys on adult moths.
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
A small bat species that hunts moths and other insects in flight.
eats
Common Nettle
Urtica dioica
Its caterpillars commonly feed on the leaves of this plant.
eats
_Clock_-_Tennessee%2C_USA_-_May_31%2C_2014.jpg&width=800)
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Caterpillars munch on the leaves of this widespread flower.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Angle Shades MothPhlogophora meticulosa
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and might fly away quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angle Shades's wingspan?
45-55 mm
How big is Angle Shades?
20-25 mm
How long does Angle Shades live?
7-14 days
How fast can Angle Shades fly?
15 km/h
What does Angle Shades eat?
Caterpillars munch on many plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar and tree sap.
Where is Angle Shades usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Angle Shades have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_BHL7500836.jpg&width=800)
