Grey Knot-horn
ExploreInsects
Grey Knot-horn
Acrobasis advenella
The Grey Knot-horn is a small moth with beautiful grey wings. It loves to hide in gardens and fields, making it a fun surprise to find while exploring nature!
Habitat: Gardens and fields
Appearance
The Grey Knot-horn is a small moth with mottled greyish-white forewings marked with darker grey or black and a reddish-brown tinge near the base. It has a distinctive raised tuft of scales, its 'knot-horn,' on each forewing that helps it mimic bark. Its hindwings are plain pale grey.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPyralidaeGenusAcrobasis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even as adults, some Grey Knot-horns barely eat, relying on stored energy!
Its caterpillars secretly live inside plant stems, munching away from sight!
The 'knot-horn' on its wings is a special tuft of scales that helps it hide!
This moth helps trees by 'pruning' weak shoots where its larvae burrow and feed.
Special abilities
Ability
Bark Mimicry
Grey Knot-horn has uniquely mottled grey wings and a raised scale tuft that perfectly camouflages it against tree bark.
Ability
Stealthy Larvae
Its caterpillars can bore into plant stems, creating hidden tunnels to feed and stay protected from predators.
Ability
Night Flier
The Grey Knot-horn is primarily nocturnal, allowing it to navigate and find mates under the cover of darkness.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 19-22 mm
- Size
- 7-9 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-21 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Its caterpillars eat plants, while the adults usually don't eat at all!
Age differences: Larvae feed on leaves and shoots; adults typically do not feed or consume only water/nectar.
Primary Foods
- oak leaves
- hazel leaves
- plum leaves
- hawthorn leaves
- birch leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Oak
Quercus robur
Larvae feed on shoots
eats
Common Hazel
Corylus avellana
Larvae feed on shoots
eats
Common Plum
Prunus domestica
Larvae feed on shoots
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Adult moths are prey
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.
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.
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
It's safe to look at moths, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grey Knot-horn's wingspan?
19-22 mm
How big is Grey Knot-horn?
7-9 mm
How long does Grey Knot-horn live?
7-21 days
What does Grey Knot-horn eat?
Its caterpillars eat plants, while the adults usually don't eat at all!
Where is Grey Knot-horn usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Grey Knot-horn hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Grey Knot-horn have?
6
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