_(9061417837).jpg&width=800)
Northern Cloudywing
ExploreInsects
Northern Cloudywing
Cecropterus pylades
The Northern Cloudywing is a small butterfly with beautiful brown wings that have light spots. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in sunny areas during the warm months.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Northern Cloudywing is a small, dark brown butterfly with a stout body and a moth-like appearance. Its forewings feature small, almost clear, glassy spots, and its wings have fringed edges. This gives it a distinct look different from typical brightly colored butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusAutochton
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adults are important pollinators, visiting a wide variety of colorful wildflowers for nectar.
Despite looking like a moth, the Northern Cloudywing is a butterfly because it flies during the day!
Its scientific name, Cecropterus pylades, honors a Greek mythological hero, Pylades!
Unlike many butterflies, its antennae have a tiny hook at the very end, like a fishing pole!
Special abilities
Ability
Quick Escape Artist
Northern Cloudywing can fly with incredibly fast, darting movements because of its powerful wing muscles that help it evade predators.
Ability
Nature's Camouflage
Northern Cloudywing has a mottled dark brown coloration that helps it blend perfectly with tree bark and dried leaves, making it hard to spot.
Ability
Leaf Roller Home Builder
Northern Cloudywing caterpillars can cleverly roll leaves together using silk because this creates a secure, hidden shelter for them.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves.
Age differences: Larvae consume host plant leaves, while adult butterflies feed on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Clover leaves
- Alfalfa leaves
- Locust tree leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Blue Jays prey on adult butterflies and caterpillars.
pollinates
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Adults feed on and pollinate the flowers of red clover.
eats
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of black locust trees.
eats
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
Caterpillars also consume the foliage of alfalfa plants.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
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.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
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 butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Cloudywing's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Northern Cloudywing?
15-20 mm
How long does Northern Cloudywing live?
10-20 days
How fast can Northern Cloudywing fly?
15 km/h
What does Northern Cloudywing eat?
Adults sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves.
Where is Northern Cloudywing usually found?
Grasslands
How does Northern Cloudywing hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Northern Cloudywing have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
