Maple Prominent
ExploreInsects
Maple Prominent
Ptilodon cucullina
The Maple Prominent is a beautiful moth with soft, furry wings. It loves to flutter around trees, especially maple trees, where it can blend in and hide from predators.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Maple Prominent is a medium-sized moth, typically brownish-grey, with wavy darker lines across its forewings. It has a distinctive raised tuft of scales on its back that helps it resemble a dried leaf, making it blend into its surroundings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNotodontidaeGenusPtilodon
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Maple Prominent moths release a special scent called a pheromone to attract males from far away!
Its caterpillar stage has unusual humps and knobs, looking quite alien before it turns into a moth!
The adult moth doesn't eat solid food; it sips flower nectar using a long straw-like tongue.
They spend many cold months asleep as a pupa, hidden underground or in leaf litter, waiting for spring.
Special abilities
Ability
Leafy Disguise
Maple Prominent has wing patterns and a body shape that helps them perfectly mimic dried leaves.
Ability
Nocturnal Navigator
Maple Prominent can fly and find flowers in the dark because of their excellent night vision.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Maple Prominent caterpillars can sometimes spray an acidic fluid because of specialized glands that help deter predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 180-270 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch maple leaves, while adult moths prefer to sip sugary nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat leaves of various trees, while adult moths feed only on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Maple leaves
- Honeysuckle nectar
- Willow leaves
- Oak leaves
- Ash leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Adult moths are a food source.
eats
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Birds prey on the caterpillars.
pollinates
Honeysuckle
Lonicera periclymenum
Adults visit its flowers for nectar.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
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
Always watch moths from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Prominent's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Maple Prominent?
15-20 mm
How long does Maple Prominent live?
180-270 days
How fast can Maple Prominent fly?
10 km/h
What does Maple Prominent eat?
Caterpillars munch maple leaves, while adult moths prefer to sip sugary nectar from flowers.
Where is Maple Prominent usually found?
Forests
How does Maple Prominent hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Maple Prominent have?
6
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