Black-dotted Ruddy Moth
ExploreInsects
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth
Ilexia intractata
The Black-dotted Ruddy Moth is a small, colorful moth with beautiful patterns. It has black dots on its wings that make it look like it's wearing a fancy coat!
Habitat: Urban areas, gardens
Appearance
The Black-dotted Ruddy Moth has a distinctive warm reddish-brown body and forewings, which are covered with scattered, small black spots. Its hindwings are typically plainer and a lighter, duller brown, creating a subtle contrast. This coloration helps it visually blend with dried leaves and tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIlexia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Black-dotted Ruddy Moths only live a few weeks, focusing all energy on laying eggs!
Its caterpillar stage looks completely different, often green and blends with leaves!
Some moths can even 'hear' bats coming and quickly drop to safety mid-flight!
This moth feels vibrations through tiny hairs on its body, even without ears!
Special abilities
Ability
Spotty Camouflage
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth has a ruddy color and black spots that help it blend seamlessly with tree bark and dried leaves, hiding from predators.
Ability
Night Nectar Sipper
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth can unfurl a long proboscis to drink sweet nectar from deep flowers, especially active under the cover of darkness.
Ability
Vibration Detection
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth has sensitive antennae that help it detect subtle air movements from predators or find mates in the dark.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-40 mm
- Size
- 10-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves; as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on tree leaves, while adult moths feed on nectar and sometimes tree sap.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- tree leaves
- plant sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Bats are primary nocturnal predators of moths.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Birds often catch moths during the day or at dawn.
pollinates
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Adult moths visit goldenrod flowers for sweet nectar.
eats
White Oak
Quercus alba
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of oak trees.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are harmless and fun to watch, but it's best to look without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black-dotted Ruddy Moth's wingspan?
25-40 mm
How big is Black-dotted Ruddy Moth?
10-18 mm
How long does Black-dotted Ruddy Moth live?
10-20 days
How fast can Black-dotted Ruddy Moth fly?
10 km/h
What does Black-dotted Ruddy Moth eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves; as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Where is Black-dotted Ruddy Moth usually found?
Urban areas, gardens
How does Black-dotted Ruddy Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Black-dotted Ruddy Moth have?
6
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