# Live Oak Metria Moth (*metria amella*) The Live Oak Metria Moth is a beautiful insect that loves to flutter around oak trees! Its bright colors and unique patterns make it a fun sight to see in nature. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Live Oak Metria Moths live in forests and woodlands, especially where oak trees are abundant. - **Also known as:** Metria Moth, Moth of the Oak, Oak Moth ![Live Oak Metria Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Erebinae-_Metria_amella_%28Live_Oak_Metria%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erebinae-_Metria_amella_%28Live_Oak_Metria%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Live Oak Metria Moth is a small, slender moth with mottled grey and brown wings, resembling dried bark or fallen leaves. Its forewings often feature subtle darker lines or markings that help it blend seamlessly into oak tree trunks. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Metria ## Interesting facts - Adult moths often don't eat at all; they live off energy stored from their caterpillar stage! - Its caterpillars are called "inchworms" because they move by looping their bodies like a measuring tape! - Its fuzzy body helps it stay warm on cool nights, acting like a tiny built-in blanket! - Some Live Oak Metria Moths have evolved to fly during the day, defying typical moth behavior! ## Special abilities - **Bark Camouflage:** Live Oak Metria Moths can perfectly blend into oak bark because of their patterned wings that helps them hide from predators. - **Vibration Sensor:** Live Oak Metria Moth has feathery antennae that helps them detect faint vibrations and scents from far away. - **Quick Disguise:** Live Oak Metria Moth can drop to the ground and play dead, appearing like a fallen twig to trick predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-35 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 10-20 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Young moths (caterpillars) munch on oak leaves to grow big and strong. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars eat leaves, but adult moths typically do not feed. - **Primary Foods:** Quercus alba leaves, Quercus rubra leaves, Quercus virginiana leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — larvae feed on leaves - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — adults and larvae eaten - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — hunts adult moths ## 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. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Live Oak Metria Moth? 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 Live Oak Metria Moth's wingspan? 25-35 mm ### How big is Live Oak Metria Moth? 10-15 mm ### How long does Live Oak Metria Moth live? 10-20 days ### How fast can Live Oak Metria Moth fly? 8 km/h ### What does Live Oak Metria Moth eat? Young moths (caterpillars) munch on oak leaves to grow big and strong. ### Where is Live Oak Metria Moth usually found? Live Oak Metria Moths live in forests and woodlands, especially where oak trees are abundant. ### How does Live Oak Metria Moth hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Charleston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/charleston-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [French Quarter](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/french-quarter) — US · Neighborhood - [South Carolina Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-carolina-aquarium) — US · Aquarium - [Kanapaha Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kanapaha-botanical-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [North Patterson Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/north-patterson-street-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [South Carolina Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-carolina-aquarium-us) — US · Zoo [View all places to see Live Oak Metria Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/live-oak-metria-moth) ## 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: [Live Oak Metria Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/live-oak-metria-moth)