Dusky Raisin Moth
ExploreInsects
Dusky Raisin Moth
Ephestiodes gilvescentella
The Dusky Raisin Moth is a small, fuzzy moth that loves to fly around at night. It has beautiful, soft wings that can be brown or gray, making it look like a little piece of nature's art!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Dusky Raisin Moth is a small, slender moth with mottled, dusky brown to grayish forewings that provide excellent camouflage. Its wings often have subtle darker speckles or faint zigzag lines, making it appear like a dried leaf or a piece of bark. This cryptic coloration makes it visually distinct from flashier, brightly colored moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPyralidaeGenusEphestiodes
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Dusky Raisin Moths usually live for only about one week!
Its name comes from its caterpillar's love for dried fruits like raisins!
These moths are tiny, but their caterpillars can cause big problems for stored food!
They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active when everyone else is asleep!
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Disguise
Dusky Raisin Moth has mottled, earth-toned wings that help them disappear against bark and dried leaves, hiding from hungry predators.
Ability
Night Navigator
Dusky Raisin Moth can fly in darkness because their acute antennae help them find mates and navigate under the cover of night.
Ability
Snack Detector
Dusky Raisin Moth larvae can find stored dried fruits and seeds using their keen chemical senses, ensuring a rich food supply.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-18 mm
- Size
- 5-9 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults barely eat, while larvae enjoy dried fruits and grains.
Age differences: Larvae feed on dried plant matter; adults generally do not feed.
Primary Foods
- dried raisins
- dried apples
- dried plums
- nuts
- seeds
- stored grains
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Nocturnal bats hunt these moths in flight.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Habrobracon hebetor
Tiny wasps lay eggs on moth larvae, controlling populations.
eats
Common Grape Vine
Vitis vinifera
Larvae consume dried grapes and raisins.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Birds can catch resting moths during the day.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
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.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are harmless and fun to watch, but it's best to admire them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dusky Raisin Moth's wingspan?
10-18 mm
How big is Dusky Raisin Moth?
5-9 mm
How long does Dusky Raisin Moth live?
7-14 days
What does Dusky Raisin Moth eat?
Adults barely eat, while larvae enjoy dried fruits and grains.
Where is Dusky Raisin Moth usually found?
Urban areas
How does Dusky Raisin Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Dusky Raisin Moth have?
6
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