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Heliomata glarearia

Heliomata glarearia

The Heliomata glarearia is a small moth that loves to blend in with its surroundings. It has beautiful patterns on its wings that help it hide from predators during the day.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Heliomata glarearia is a small, striking moth with dark brown or black wings boldly marked by two prominent white or cream bands on its forewings and a single band on its hindwings. Its head and thorax often have a yellowish-orange hue, making it easily distinguishable from other moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusHeliomata
Heliomata glarearia
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Heliomata glarearia

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby sun moths are caterpillars that munch on tasty snowberry leaves!

They use thousands of tiny wing scales to create their striking patterns!

This moth's scientific name means "sun-spot" for its bright daytime flying!

You might mistake this little moth for a butterfly when it flies in the sun!

Special abilities

Ability

Sunlight Seeker

Heliomata glarearia can actively fly and search for food in bright sunshine, unlike most moths, because they have adapted to diurnal activity.

Ability

Bold Banner

Heliomata glarearia has high-contrast black and white wing patterns that help them signal their presence to potential mates or predators in open, sunny areas.

Ability

Nectar Sipper

Heliomata glarearia can skillfully feed on flower nectar, which helps them gain energy and inadvertently assists in pollinating plants.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-25 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Age differences: Caterpillars eat leaves; adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • Symphoricarpos albus
  • Lonicera dioica
  • Cornus sericea

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Common Sun Moth

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heliomata glarearia's wingspan?

20-25 mm

How big is Heliomata glarearia?

8-12 mm

How long does Heliomata glarearia live?

7-14 days

How fast can Heliomata glarearia fly?

8 km/h

What does Heliomata glarearia eat?

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Where is Heliomata glarearia usually found?

Grasslands

How does Heliomata glarearia hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Heliomata glarearia have?

6

Snap Map

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