Clouded Drab
ExploreInsects
Clouded Drab
Orthosia incerta
The Clouded Drab is a small moth that loves to fly around at night. It has soft, fuzzy wings that are light brown with darker spots, making it look like a little cloud in the sky!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Clouded Drab is a medium-sized moth with muted, grayish-brown forewings, often appearing mottled or 'clouded'. It typically features subtle darker kidney-shaped and circular markings, giving it a somewhat 'dusty' or camouflaged look compared to brighter moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusOrthosia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Clouded Drabs are one of the very first moths to appear each spring!
Its caterpillars munch on tree buds and leaves in spring!
Their wings are covered in thousands of tiny, colorful scales!
This moth can travel many miles to find flowers for nectar!
Special abilities
Ability
Camouflage Master
Clouded Drab can blend perfectly with tree bark because its mottled gray-brown wings help them hide from predators.
Ability
Early Bird Moth
Clouded Drab has a special ability to emerge in early spring that helps them find nectar before other insects.
Ability
Night Navigator
Clouded Drab can see well in the dark because of its large compound eyes that help them navigate and find food.
Ability
Scent Signal
Clouded Drab has special scents called pheromones that help them find a mate over long distances in the dark.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-40 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 12 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves and buds.
Age differences: Larvae eat tree leaves and buds; adults feed on nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Oak leaves
- Willow leaves
- Elm leaves
- Birch leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle Bat
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Moths are a common food source for these bats.
pollinates
Goat Willow
Salix caprea
Adult moths feed on the nectar of its early spring catkins.
eats
English Oak
Quercus robur
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves and buds of oak trees.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Birds may prey on adult moths, especially at dusk.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clouded Drab's wingspan?
35-40 mm
How big is Clouded Drab?
15-20 mm
How long does Clouded Drab live?
14-28 days
How fast can Clouded Drab fly?
12 km/h
What does Clouded Drab eat?
Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves and buds.
Where is Clouded Drab usually found?
Forests
How does Clouded Drab hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Clouded Drab have?
6
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