ExploreInsects

Brimstone Moth

Opisthograptis luteolata

The Brimstone Moth is a bright yellow moth that looks like a little piece of sunshine! It loves to fly around at night and can often be seen resting on trees during the day.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Brimstone Moth is a vibrant lemon-yellow moth with broad, irregularly shaped wings that can resemble leaves. Each forewing uniquely features a small, purplish-brown mark near its outer edge, making it distinct from other yellow moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusOpisthograptis
Brimstone Moth
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Brimstone Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Brimstone Moths can have several batches of babies each year!

Even though it's bright, it often rests with wings folded, looking like a dead leaf!

Its scientific name means 'brightly painted yellowish' in Latin.

The caterpillar of this moth looks just like a tiny twig!

Special abilities

Ability

Leafy Disguise

Brimstone Moth has bright yellow, irregularly shaped wings that help them blend in perfectly with yellowing leaves and flowers, making them hard for predators to spot.

Ability

Twig Mimicry

Its caterpillar can hold very still and blend in like a broken twig because of its rough brown and green texture, helping them avoid hungry birds.

Ability

Nocturnal Navigator

Brimstone Moths can fly and forage for nectar even after dark, guided by special antennae that help them detect the scent of distant flowers at night.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-45 mm
Size
18-22 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their hungry caterpillars munch on plant leaves like hawthorn and blackthorn.

Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves; adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Hawthorn leaves
  • Blackthorn leaves
  • Birch leaves
  • Willow leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but it's best not to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brimstone Moth's wingspan?

30-45 mm

How big is Brimstone Moth?

18-22 mm

How long does Brimstone Moth live?

14-28 days

What does Brimstone Moth eat?

Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their hungry caterpillars munch on plant leaves like hawthorn and blackthorn.

Where is Brimstone Moth usually found?

Woodlands

How does Brimstone Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Brimstone Moth 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.

More Insects