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Celery Leaftier Moth

Udea rubigalis

The Celery Leaftier Moth is a small, colorful moth that loves to hide in gardens. Its caterpillars munch on celery and other plants, making them special little helpers in nature!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Celery Leaftier Moth has distinct orange-brown forewings mottled with darker brown spots and wavy lines, giving it a patchwork appearance. Its hindwings are paler gray-brown and less marked. At rest, it holds its wings in a triangular shape, differing from many other moths that spread their wings flat.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusUdea
Celery Leaftier Moth
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Celery Leaftier Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult moths can sip sweet nectar from many different kinds of flowers!

Its caterpillars are called "leaftiers" because they literally tie leaves together!

Some people call them "greenhouse leaftiers" because they love warm places.

These tiny moths are found all over the world, even thriving in greenhouses!

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Rolling Architect

Celery Leaftier Moth caterpillars can roll up plant leaves, creating a safe, hidden shelter and food source.

Ability

Chemical Communicator

Celery Leaftier Moths can release invisible scent signals (pheromones) to find mates in the dark.

Ability

Night Vision Navigator

Celery Leaftier Moths have special eyes that help them navigate and find food during twilight and nighttime.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
14-22 mm
Size
8-10 mm
Lifespan
7-10 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae munch on plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers.

Age differences: Larvae chew on plant leaves, while adults have a special proboscis to sip flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Celery leaves
  • Bean leaves
  • Beet leaves
  • Chrysanthemum leaves
  • Flower nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Celery

Apium graveolens

Larvae feed on the leaves.

pollinates

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Adult moths sip nectar from flowers.

parasitizes

Tiny Wasp

Trichogramma pretiosum

Wasps lay eggs inside moth eggs.

hunts

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

Bats catch adult moths in flight.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These moths are harmless, but it's best to look and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Celery Leaftier Moth's wingspan?

14-22 mm

How big is Celery Leaftier Moth?

8-10 mm

How long does Celery Leaftier Moth live?

7-10 days

How fast can Celery Leaftier Moth fly?

8 km/h

What does Celery Leaftier Moth eat?

Larvae munch on plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar from flowers.

Where is Celery Leaftier Moth usually found?

Gardens

How does Celery Leaftier Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Celery Leaftier Moth have?

6

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Where to spot

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