.jpg&width=800)
Brown-Shaded Gray
ExploreInsects
Brown-Shaded Gray
iridopsis defectaria
The Brown-Shaded Gray is a butterfly that loves to flutter around gardens and fields! Its beautiful brown and gray wings help it blend in with nature.
Habitat: Gardens, fields, and wooded areas
Appearance
The Brown-Shaded Gray has mottled wings featuring intricate patterns of browns, grays, and black speckles. Its irregular dark bands on its forewings allow it to blend seamlessly with tree bark and dead leaves, making it an expert at camouflage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusIridopsis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its caterpillars eat so much, they grow super fast before turning into moths!
Some moths like this one can find their way using Earth's invisible magnetic field!
This moth's wings feel like velvet, helping it fly silently past hungry bats!
When winter comes, Brown-Shaded Gray moths hide as pupae, waiting for spring!
Special abilities
Ability
Bark Blending
Brown-Shaded Gray has intricate wing patterns that help them disappear against tree bark, making them hard for predators to spot.
Ability
Night Navigator
Brown-Shaded Gray can fly safely in the dark because of its specialized night vision, helping it find food and mates.
Ability
Scent Seeker
Brown-Shaded Gray has fuzzy antennae that can detect smells from far away, helping it find flowers and other moths.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-70 mm
- Size
- 20-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult moths drink nectar and tree sap, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults primarily feed on nectar and tree sap.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Tree sap
- Decaying fruit
- Oak leaves
- Maple leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Bats hunt adult moths at night using echolocation.
eats
White Oak
Quercus alba
Caterpillars munch on leaves of this common oak tree.
pollinates
Japanese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica
Adult moths visit flowers for nectar, spreading pollen.
eaten by
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Birds like bluebirds prey on both moths and caterpillars.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Brown ButterflyGarden FlitterGray Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown-Shaded Gray's wingspan?
40-70 mm
How big is Brown-Shaded Gray?
20-40 mm
How long does Brown-Shaded Gray live?
7-14 days
How fast can Brown-Shaded Gray fly?
8 km/h
What does Brown-Shaded Gray eat?
Adult moths drink nectar and tree sap, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves.
Where is Brown-Shaded Gray usually found?
Gardens, fields, and wooded areas
How does Brown-Shaded Gray hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Brown-Shaded Gray 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.
