# Black-veined Moth (*Siona lineata*) The Black-veined Moth is a beautiful insect with dark lines on its wings. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to those who spot it. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Black-veined Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Siona_lineata_LC0294.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jörg Hempel, CC BY-SA 3.0 de · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Siona_lineata_LC0294.jpg) ## Appearance The Black-veined Moth has creamy white wings strikingly marked with dark brown or black veins across both forewings and hindwings. Its body is slender and similarly pale, providing a distinct striped appearance against its light background, setting it apart from solid-colored moths. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Geometridae - **Genus:** Siona ## Interesting facts - Adult Black-veined Moths sometimes mimic dead leaves, staying perfectly still. - Its caterpillars are masters of disguise, changing colors to match their snacks! - The tiny eggs are laid in neat rows, like miniature pearls on a plant stem! - This moth loves to fly in bright sunshine, unlike most of its nocturnal relatives! ## Special abilities - **Weaving Wonder:** The Black-veined Moth has a wing pattern that looks like dry grass, helping it disappear into its grassy habitat to hide from hungry birds. - **Daylight Dancer:** The Black-veined Moth can fly actively during the daytime, which is rare for moths, allowing it to find food when other moths are sleeping. - **Plant Whisperer:** Black-veined Moths can detect specific plant chemicals using sensors, helping them find the perfect host plants for their future caterpillars. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-45 mm - **Size:** 15-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 10-25 days - **Flight Speed:** 12 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths sip nectar from flowers for energy. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars eat leaves and stems; adults drink nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot Trefoil), Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling), Ononis spinosa (Common Restharrow), flower nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Moth provides food for hungry birds. - **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Moth can be caught in spider webs. - **Depends on:** [Bird's-foot Trefoil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/birds-foot-trefoil) (*Lotus corniculatus*) — Caterpillars feed on leaves. - **Pollinates:** [Brown Knapweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-knapweed) (*Centaurea jacea*) — Adult moths visit for nectar. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [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. - [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 Moths are gentle and safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be fragile. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Black-veined Moth? 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 Black-veined Moth's wingspan? 30-45 mm ### How big is Black-veined Moth? 15-20 mm ### How long does Black-veined Moth live? 10-25 days ### How fast can Black-veined Moth fly? 12 km/h ### What does Black-veined Moth eat? Caterpillars munch on plants, while adult moths sip nectar from flowers for energy. ### Where is Black-veined Moth usually found? Grasslands ### How does Black-veined Moth hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Black-veined Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-veined-moth)