# Lithophane dilatocula The Lithophane dilatocula is a special moth that can blend in with its surroundings. It has beautiful patterns on its wings that help it hide from predators during the day. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Pinion Moth ![Lithophane dilatocula](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lithophane_dilatocula.jpg&width=800) Photo: CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lithophane_dilatocula.jpg) ## Appearance The Lithophane dilatocula has mottled grey-brown forewings with cryptic patterns, closely resembling tree bark, making it difficult to spot. Its hindwings are a paler grey. This moth's elongated, narrow forewings distinguish it from similar species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Lithophane ## Interesting facts - Adult Lithophane dilatocula moths can live for many months, even through the winter! - Before they are moths, these insects munch on tree leaves as caterpillars! - Its scientific name, 'dilatocula,' means 'wide eye,' referring to a subtle wing marking. - This moth sips flower nectar using a long, straw-like tongue called a proboscis! ## Special abilities - **Camouflage Cloak:** Lithophane dilatocula has intricate wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with tree bark, making them almost invisible to predators. - **Winter Sleeper:** Lithophane dilatocula can survive freezing winters as an adult moth by entering a dormant state, emerging when spring arrives. - **Nectar Sipper:** Lithophane dilatocula has a long proboscis to reach deep nectar in flowers, providing them with essential energy for flight. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 35-45 mm - **Size:** 15-22 mm - **Lifespan:** 180-270 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult moths drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on tree leaves. - **Age differences:** As caterpillars, they eat tree leaves; as adult moths, they drink nectar. - **Primary Foods:** flower nectar, oak leaves, maple leaves, birch leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — A common bird predator. - **Eats:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Hunts adult moths at night. - **Depends on:** Red Oak (*Quercus rubra*) — Larvae feed on its leaves. - **Depends on:** [Sugar Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sugar-maple) (*Acer saccharum*) — Larvae also eat its leaves. ## Traits - [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. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [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 harmless, but it's best to observe them without touching. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lithophane dilatocula? 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 Lithophane dilatocula's wingspan? 35-45 mm ### How big is Lithophane dilatocula? 15-22 mm ### How long does Lithophane dilatocula live? 180-270 days ### How fast can Lithophane dilatocula fly? 15 km/h ### What does Lithophane dilatocula eat? Adult moths drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on tree leaves. ### Where is Lithophane dilatocula usually found? Forests ### How does Lithophane dilatocula hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/carmanah-walbran-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## 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: [Lithophane dilatocula: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lithophane-dilatocula)