Flame Shoulder Moth
ExploreInsects
Flame Shoulder Moth
Ochropleura plecta
The Flame Shoulder Moth is a small, colorful moth with bright orange and black markings. It loves to flutter around gardens and fields, especially during warm summer nights.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Flame Shoulder Moth has distinct forewings featuring a prominent, fiery orange-red patch near the body, contrasting with the darker olive-brown and grey-mottled wing bases. Its hindwings are a plain, light grey, less striking than the forewings. This color pattern helps it stand out, yet also blend in.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusOchropleura
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby Flame Shoulder Moths love to eat common weeds like dock and plantain plants.
Its caterpillars are often called cutworms because they chew through plant stems at ground level!
Like all moths, it starts as a tiny egg, then a munching caterpillar, and a sleepy pupa before becoming an adult!
Some Flame Shoulder Moths can have two or even three generations of babies in just one year!
Special abilities
Ability
Night Navigator
Flame Shoulder Moth can fly and find food in the dark because it uses sensitive antennae to detect the scents of flowers from far away.
Ability
Nectar Sipper
Flame Shoulder Moth can unroll a long proboscis to sip sweet nectar from flowers, which provides energy for flight and helps pollinate plants.
Ability
Camouflage Master
Flame Shoulder Moth has mottled olive-brown and grey wings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark and dried leaves to hide from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-30 mm
- Size
- 12-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Flame Shoulder Moths drink nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves and stems.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves and stems, while adults feed on nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- Rumex crispus (Curled Dock)
- Plantago major (Greater Plantain)
- Stellaria media (Common Chickweed)
- Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Bats hunt flying moths at night using echolocation.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Robins forage for caterpillars and adult moths.
eats
Curled Dock
Rumex crispus
Larvae feed on the leaves of this common weed.
eats
Greater Plantain
Plantago major
Caterpillars munch on plantain leaves and stems.
Traits
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
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 harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flame Shoulder Moth's wingspan?
25-30 mm
How big is Flame Shoulder Moth?
12-18 mm
How long does Flame Shoulder Moth live?
14-30 days
What does Flame Shoulder Moth eat?
Adult Flame Shoulder Moths drink nectar, while their caterpillars munch on plant leaves and stems.
Where is Flame Shoulder Moth usually found?
Grasslands
How does Flame Shoulder Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Flame Shoulder Moth have?
6
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