# Ennominae Ennominae are fascinating moths with beautiful patterns on their wings! They flutter around at night, bringing a magical touch to the dark. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Ennominae moths are found in forests, gardens, and meadows. - **Also known as:** Measuring Worm Moth ![Ennominae](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ourapteryx_sp1.jpg&width=800) Photo: KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ourapteryx_sp1.jpg) ## Appearance The Ennominae has generally slender bodies and broad, often triangular wings. Their colors typically include muted browns, greens, greys, and whites, allowing for exceptional camouflage against tree bark or leaves. Many species feature intricate patterns or wavy lines on their wings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Geometridae - **Genus:** Ennominae ## Interesting facts - Ennominae caterpillars have special hooks on their feet for gripping plants super tight! - Many adult Ennominae moths only live for about a week, focused on laying eggs! - Some Ennominae moths are masters of disguise, blending perfectly with tree bark! - Their caterpillars are nicknamed 'inchworms' because they move by looping their bodies! ## Special abilities - **Looping Walker:** Ennominae caterpillars have a unique 'looping' movement because of their reduced number of prolegs that helps them move while looking like a measuring string. - **Disappearing Act:** Adult Ennominae moths have wings with intricate patterns and muted colors that helps them disappear against tree bark during the day. - **Taste Deterrent:** Some Ennominae species can produce foul-tasting chemicals because of their diet that helps them deter hungry birds and other predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-50 mm - **Size:** 10-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 5 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths often sip nectar. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars eat plant leaves, but adults primarily seek nectar or do not feed. - **Primary Foods:** leaves, nectar, plant sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Feeds on Ennominae caterpillars and moths. - **Eats:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — Caterpillars feed on leaves of various oak species. - **Eaten by:** Common Wasp (*Vespula vulgaris*) — Forages for caterpillars to feed its young. - **Eats:** [Sugar Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sugar-maple) (*Acer saccharum*) — Larvae of many species consume maple leaves. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always observe insects from a distance and do not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Ennominae? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Ennominae's wingspan? 20-50 mm ### How big is Ennominae? 10-30 mm ### How long does Ennominae live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Ennominae fly? 5 km/h ### What does Ennominae eat? Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths often sip nectar. ### Where is Ennominae usually found? Ennominae moths are found in forests, gardens, and meadows. ### How does Ennominae hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [W.J. Freeman Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/w-j-freeman-park) — Tennessee, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Ennominae: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ennominae)