# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Angle Shades Moth, Phlogophora meticulosa ![Angle Shades](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Achateule_%28Phlogophora_meticulosa%29_focus_stacking-20230503-RM-151903.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Achateule_%28Phlogophora_meticulosa%29_focus_stacking-20230503-RM-151903.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Phlogophora ## 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 - **Leafy Disguise:** Angle Shades has crinkled, jagged wings that helps them perfectly blend in as a dead or crumpled leaf, hiding from predators. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Caterpillars munch on the leaves of this widespread flower. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [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 Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and might fly away quickly. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Angle Shades? 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 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 ## 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: [Angle Shades: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/angle-shades)