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Large Yellow Underwing

Noctua pronuba

The Large Yellow Underwing is a big, beautiful moth with bright yellow wings. It loves to fly around at night and can be found in gardens and fields, making it a fun sight for night-time explorers!

Habitat: Urban areas, gardens, fields

Appearance

The Large Yellow Underwing has dull, patterned brown or grey forewings, which act as camouflage against tree bark. Its vibrant yellow hindwings, revealed during flight, are edged with a broad black band. This striking contrast makes it visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusNoctua
Large Yellow Underwing
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Large Yellow Underwing

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its caterpillars are nicknamed "cutworms" because they sometimes chew through young plant stems at ground level!

Some of these moths travel huge distances, flying across oceans or continents like tiny adventurers!

The Large Yellow Underwing can hear bats using special organs on its chest, helping it avoid becoming dinner!

This moth helps many night-blooming flowers make seeds by carrying their pollen from plant to plant.

Special abilities

Ability

Flashy Escape Artist

Large Yellow Underwing can startle predators with its bright yellow hindwings that flash open when threatened, creating confusion.

Ability

Night Navigator

Large Yellow Underwing flies actively after dark, using its keen senses to locate flowers for nectar and find mates in the shadows.

Ability

Winter Survivor

Large Yellow Underwing has hardy caterpillars that can feed and grow throughout the winter months, even in cold conditions.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-60 mm
Size
25-30 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Flight Speed
10-20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult moths sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves and stems of various plants.

Age differences: Caterpillars are herbivores eating leaves and roots, while adult moths are nectarivores.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • grasses
  • cabbage
  • lettuce
  • dandelion
  • plantain

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Yellow Underwing Moth

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Large Yellow Underwing's wingspan?

45-60 mm

How big is Large Yellow Underwing?

25-30 mm

How long does Large Yellow Underwing live?

14-28 days

How fast can Large Yellow Underwing fly?

10-20 km/h

What does Large Yellow Underwing eat?

Adult moths sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves and stems of various plants.

Where is Large Yellow Underwing usually found?

Urban areas, gardens, fields

How does Large Yellow Underwing hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Large Yellow Underwing have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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