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Ocean Spray Fairy Moth

Adela septentrionella

The Ocean Spray Fairy Moth is a tiny, delicate moth with beautiful wings that shimmer in the sunlight. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often found near coastal areas.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Ocean Spray Fairy Moth has remarkably long, thread-like antennae that can be several times its body length. Its wings are slender and iridescent, often displaying a subtle metallic purple or green sheen, contrasting with its dark body and distinctive fuzzy, yellowish-orange head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyAdelidaeGenusAdela
Ocean Spray Fairy Moth
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Ocean Spray Fairy Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Ocean Spray Fairy Moths start life as tiny leaf-mining caterpillars!

Despite being a moth, it often flies actively during sunny daylight hours!

Its antennae are incredibly long, up to five times its tiny body size!

This moth got its name from the "ocean spray" plant it loves!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Antennae

Ocean Spray Fairy Moth has exceptionally long antennae that help them detect pheromones from mates and locate food sources.

Ability

Iridescent Camouflage

Ocean Spray Fairy Moth can blend into dappled sunlight thanks to its shimmering, iridescent wings that scatter light like fairy dust.

Ability

Pollen Power

Ocean Spray Fairy Moth can effectively pollinate plants because its fuzzy body collects and transfers pollen between flowers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
4-8 mm
Size
2-4 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their tiny larvae munch on leaves.

Age differences: Adults drink nectar, but larvae mine and eat plant leaves.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Leaves of Holodiscus discolor
  • Decaying leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean Spray Fairy Moth's wingspan?

4-8 mm

How big is Ocean Spray Fairy Moth?

2-4 mm

How long does Ocean Spray Fairy Moth live?

7-14 days

What does Ocean Spray Fairy Moth eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their tiny larvae munch on leaves.

Where is Ocean Spray Fairy Moth usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Ocean Spray Fairy Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Ocean Spray Fairy Moth have?

6

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