Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings
ExploreInsects
Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings
catocala amica
The Girlfriend Underwing (Catocala amica) is a small, fascinating moth native to the oak woodlands of North America. Belonging to the diverse underwing family, this insect is celebrated for its incredible dual-identity strategy. When resting, it blends seamlessly into the background of tree bark, but when threatened, it reveals a shocking display of color. This ecological marvel highlights the intricate evolutionary arms race between moths and nocturnal predators in deciduous ecosystems.
Habitat: Found in oak-dominated deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban parks with mature oak trees.
Appearance
This species is relatively small for an underwing, with a wingspan ranging from 3.5 to 5.0 cm. Its forewings are highly cryptic, featuring a complex mosaic of gray, white, and dark brown lines that perfectly mimic tree bark and lichen. In contrast, the hindwings are a vibrant yellow-orange, bordered by a thick, dark brown submarginal band, creating a stark visual contrast when the wings are spread.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusCatocala
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If a bat gets too close, these moths will perform a dramatic, unpredictable spiraling dive to the ground to escape.
The specific epithet 'amica' translates from Latin as 'girlfriend' or 'female friend', giving rise to its charming common name.
When resting, they hold their wings flat over their body in a roof-like position, completely hiding their bright underwings.
Special abilities
Ability
Flash Coloration
Quickly exposes bright yellow hindwings to startle and confuse predators when disturbed.
Ability
Bark Mimicry
Possesses intricate forewing patterns that allow it to remain completely camouflaged against tree trunks.
Ability
Ultrasonic Hearing
Equipped with tympanic organs that can detect the echolocation clicks of hunting bats, triggering evasive flight maneuvers.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1+ cm
- Wingspan
- 3+ cm
- Weight
- 0.0001+ kg
- Lifespan
- 0+ years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100+
- Incubation
- 10+ days
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed strictly on the leaves of oak trees, while mature adults consume sweet fluids such as fermenting tree sap and flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae are leaf-chewers targeting oak foliage, whereas adults possess a proboscis to sip liquids.
Primary Foods
- White Oak leaves
- Post Oak leaves
- Fermenting tree sap
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
Catocala lineellaLittle Lined Underwing
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings?
The easiest way to identify Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings?
1+ cm
What is Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings's wingspan?
3+ cm
How much does Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings weigh?
0.0001+ kg
How long does Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings live?
0+ years
How fast can Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings move?
15 km/h
What does Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings eat?
Larvae feed strictly on the leaves of oak trees, while mature adults consume sweet fluids such as fermenting tree sap and flower nectar.
Where is Girlfriend And Little Lined Underwings usually found?
Found in oak-dominated deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban parks with mature oak trees.
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