# Blood Vein (*Timandra comae*)

The Blood Vein is a special moth with beautiful red lines on its wings. It likes to fly around at night and can be found resting on tree trunks during the day.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Blood Vein](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Timandra_comae_R0017994.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Me, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Timandra_comae_R0017994.JPG)

## Appearance

The Blood Vein is a delicate moth with pale yellow or cream wings. A distinctive reddish-brown line, resembling a blood vessel, runs across both its forewings and hindwings. This unique 'vein' is often wavy and more prominent on the hindwings, making it easily identifiable.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Geometridae
- **Genus:** Timandra

## Interesting facts

- Its caterpillars are masters of disguise, changing color to perfectly match plants!
- Some Blood Vein moths have wings that are bright pink or even a peachy orange!
- The Blood Vein's name comes from the wavy, reddish line on its wings!
- This moth's scientific name means "comma-like," describing its unique wing pattern!

## Special abilities

- **Leafy Disguise:** Blood Vein caterpillars can change their body color to perfectly match the leaves or stems they rest on, helping them hide from predators.
- **Night Navigator:** Adult moths use their sensitive antennae to detect tiny scent molecules, helping them find mates and nectar sources in the dark.
- **Rapid Transformation:** The Blood Vein has a short life cycle, allowing it to complete multiple generations in one warm summer season.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 25-30 mm
- **Size:** 12-14 mm
- **Lifespan:** 10-20 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on various plant leaves.

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on plant leaves, while adults feed on nectar from flowers.
- **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Knotgrass leaves, Dock leaves, Willow leaves
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Knotgrass (*Polygonum aviculare*) — Its caterpillars feed extensively on the leaves of this widespread plant.
- **Eaten by:** Common Pipistrelle (*Pipistrellus pipistrellus*) — Adult Blood Vein moths are a common prey for these nocturnal hunters.
- **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Insect-eating birds, like this tit, find its caterpillars a tasty snack.

## 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.
- [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.
- [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

Moths are generally safe to observe, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Blood Vein?

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 Blood Vein's wingspan?

25-30 mm

### How big is Blood Vein?

12-14 mm

### How long does Blood Vein live?

10-20 days

### What does Blood Vein eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on various plant leaves.

### Where is Blood Vein usually found?

Forests

### How does Blood Vein hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Blood Vein have?

6

## Where to spot

- [Pairi Daiza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pairi-daiza) — Hainaut, BE · Zoo

## 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: [Blood Vein: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blood-vein)