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Brown-tail Moth
ExploreInsects
Brown-tail Moth
Euproctis chrysorrhoea
The Brown-tail Moth is a fuzzy little insect with a soft, brown body and white markings. It loves to flutter around gardens and forests, especially in the summer when it's warm.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Brown-tail Moth is a pure white moth with a distinctive, fluffy reddish-brown tuft of hair at the tip of its abdomen, resembling a small tail. Both sexes have pure white wings, but the male is typically smaller. It is quite uniform in color except for its striking 'tail'.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusEuproctis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Brown-tail Moths don't have mouths for eating; they live off energy stored from their caterpillar days!
Caterpillars build cozy silk tents where hundreds can safely overwinter together before emerging in spring!
Female moths protect their eggs by covering them with hairs from their own fuzzy brown 'tail'!
These moths are attracted to bright lights at night, making them easier for people to spot in summer!
Special abilities
Ability
Irritating Hairs
Brown-tail Moth has microscopic barbed hairs that cause itchy rashes if touched, helping deter predators.
Ability
Webbed Nests
Brown-tail Moth caterpillars can build large, silken communal nests, offering protection from predators and winter cold.
Ability
Chemical Defense
Brown-tail Moth caterpillars can sequester plant toxins, making them unpalatable to most predators when eaten.
Ability
Nocturnal Flight
Brown-tail Moth can fly silently at night using stored energy, allowing them to find mates and lay eggs safely.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 12-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on leaves; as adults, they don't eat!
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, relying on energy reserves accumulated during their larval (caterpillar) stage.
Primary Foods
- Oak leaves
- Hawthorn leaves
- Apple tree leaves
- Willow leaves
- Elm leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
depends on
Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Caterpillars often feed on hawthorn.
eaten by
Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
Cuckoos are one of few birds that eat its caterpillars.
parasitizes
Parasitic Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata
Its larvae develop inside Brown-tail Moth caterpillars.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
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
2/5 · Low
It's best to look at moths from afar and not touch them, especially the caterpillars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown-tail Moth's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Brown-tail Moth?
12-18 mm
How long does Brown-tail Moth live?
10-14 days
How fast can Brown-tail Moth fly?
15 km/h
What does Brown-tail Moth eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on leaves; as adults, they don't eat!
Where is Brown-tail Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Brown-tail Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Brown-tail Moth have?
6
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