Oak Winter Highflier
ExploreInsects
Oak Winter Highflier
Hydriomena nubilofasciata
The Oak Winter Highflier is a special moth that loves to flutter around oak trees. It has beautiful patterns on its wings that help it blend in with the bark.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Oak Winter Highflier is a medium-sized moth with mottled grey, brown, and pale green wings. Its forewings feature wavy lines and blotches, creating a striking resemblance to tree bark or lichen. This intricate patterning makes it visually distinct among winter insects.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusHydriomena
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its caterpillar stage can change colors to match the oak leaves it eats!
Males have feathery antennae to sniff out females from far away!
The adult moths don't eat at all; they live off energy stored as caterpillars!
This moth is one of the few insects you can spot flying on a snowy winter day!
Special abilities
Ability
Bark Blending Master
Oak Winter Highflier has wings patterned like tree bark that helps them disappear against oak trunks to avoid hungry birds.
Ability
Winter Warrior
Oak Winter Highflier can fly and be active in chilly winter weather because of special biological antifreeze that helps them survive freezing temperatures.
Ability
Nocturnal Navigator
Oak Winter Highflier can see well in low light conditions because of large, sensitive eyes that help them find mates and food at night.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on oak leaves; adults don't eat, living off stored energy!
Age differences: Caterpillars are herbivores eating oak leaves; adult moths do not feed.
Primary Foods
- oak leaves (larvae)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Carolina Chickadee
Poecile carolinensis
Chickadees forage for overwintering insects, including this moth.
eats
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Its caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of this oak.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Nocturnal bats use echolocation to hunt these flying moths.
Traits
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.
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
Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oak Winter Highflier's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Oak Winter Highflier?
10-15 mm
How long does Oak Winter Highflier live?
10-20 days
How fast can Oak Winter Highflier fly?
5-15 km/h
What does Oak Winter Highflier eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on oak leaves; adults don't eat, living off stored energy!
Where is Oak Winter Highflier usually found?
Forests
How does Oak Winter Highflier hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Oak Winter Highflier have?
6
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