# Fox Moth (*Macrothylacia rubi*)

The Fox Moth is a fluffy, brown moth that looks like a little furry creature! It has big, soft wings and loves to fly around at night, making it a special sight in the dark.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and fields

![Fox Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Macrothylacia_rubi_MHNT_CUT_2011_0_446_female_Mussidan_dos.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Macrothylacia_rubi_MHNT_CUT_2011_0_446_female_Mussidan_dos.jpg)

## Appearance

The Fox Moth is a medium-sized moth with a robust, very furry body and broad wings. Males are typically reddish-brown, while females are paler yellowish-brown, both featuring two pale lines across their forewings. Its dense hair and distinctive 'fox' colours help it stand out from similar grassland moths.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Lasiocampidae
- **Genus:** Macrothylacia

## Interesting facts

- Adult Fox Moths don't eat anything at all, surviving only on energy they stored as a hungry caterpillar!
- Fox Moth caterpillars are famously called "woolly bears" because they are covered in long, fuzzy, bear-like hairs!
- If a caterpillar gets too cold, it can actually freeze solid and then magically thaw out and wake up later!
- Unlike most moths, male Fox Moths fly actively during the daytime to find mates, rather than only at night!

## Special abilities

- **Prickly Protection:** Fox Moth caterpillars have spiny hairs that can irritate predators, helping them stay safe from hungry birds.
- **Leafy Disguise:** The Fox Moth has dull brown wings that help it camouflage perfectly against dry leaves and grass, hiding from dangers.
- **Winter Nap:** Fox Moth caterpillars can survive freezing winters by hibernating, helping them emerge strong in spring to continue growing.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 35-65 mm
- **Size:** 30-40 mm
- **Lifespan:** 7-14 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adult Fox Moths don't eat, but their caterpillars are munching machines, feasting on leaves and plants!

- **Age differences:** Adult moths do not feed, relying solely on energy reserves built up as caterpillars.
- **Primary Foods:** Heather, Bramble, Dandelion, Plantain, Willow
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Birds eat caterpillars.
- **Eaten by:** [Common Shrew](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-shrew) (*Sorex araneus*) — Shrews prey on caterpillars.
- **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Exorista larvarum*) — Lays eggs on caterpillars.
- **Depends on:** [Heather](https://www.snappit.app/explore/heather) (*Calluna vulgaris*) — Caterpillars feed on leaves.

## Traits

- [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but it's best not to touch them.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Fox Moth?

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 Fox Moth's wingspan?

35-65 mm

### How big is Fox Moth?

30-40 mm

### How long does Fox Moth live?

7-14 days

### What does Fox Moth eat?

Adult Fox Moths don't eat, but their caterpillars are munching machines, feasting on leaves and plants!

### Where is Fox Moth usually found?

Gardens and fields

### How does Fox Moth hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Fox Moth have?

6

## 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: [Fox Moth: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fox-moth)