# Paonias The Paonias is a beautiful moth known for its striking colors and patterns. It flies at night and loves to visit flowers, making it a special nighttime friend in gardens. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and meadows ![Paonias](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Paonias_excaecatus_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_222_Georgia_USA_male_dorsal.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paonias_excaecatus_MHNT_CUT_2010_0_222_Georgia_USA_male_dorsal.jpg) ## Appearance The Paonias moth has cryptically patterned forewings, often in shades of brown or grey, that perfectly mimic dead leaves or tree bark. Its most distinctive feature is the large, colorful 'eyespots' on its hindwings, usually bright blue or yellow, which are hidden until the moth feels threatened. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Paonias ## Interesting facts - Adult Paonias moths do not eat; they only drink nectar to fuel their flight. - Paonias moths spend winter as a chrysalis buried underground, waiting for spring. - Their caterpillars are sometimes called "hornworms" due to a little "horn" on their tail! - When startled, Paonias moths lift their forewings to reveal large, fake eyes! ## Special abilities - **Surprise Eyespots:** Paonias can quickly flash hidden, vibrant eyespots on its hindwings that helps them startle and confuse predators. - **Master of Camouflage:** Paonias has incredible forewing patterns that help them blend seamlessly into their tree bark and leaf surroundings. - **Swift Flight:** Paonias can fly very quickly and precisely, helping them escape threats and efficiently find nectar sources. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 50-100 mm - **Size:** 30-50 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-21 days - **Flight Speed:** 40 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Paonias moths drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees and shrubs. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat leaves; adults consume only nectar from flowers. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, birch leaves, willow leaves, cherry leaves, apple leaves, blueberry leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [Black Cherry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-cherry) (*Prunus serotina*) — Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of this tree. - **Depends on:** [Paper Birch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/paper-birch) (*Betula papyrifera*) — Paonias larvae often feed on the foliage of birch trees. - **Depends on:** [Black Willow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-willow) (*Salix nigra*) — Willow leaves are a common food source for young caterpillars. - **Eaten by:** [Big Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/big-brown-bat) (*Eptesicus fuscus*) — Fast-flying moths like Paonias are prey for bats. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Birds may prey on Paonias moths during the day. ## 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. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [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:** 1/5 · Very low Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Paonias? 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 Paonias's wingspan? 50-100 mm ### How big is Paonias? 30-50 mm ### How long does Paonias live? 7-21 days ### How fast can Paonias fly? 40 km/h ### What does Paonias eat? Adult Paonias moths drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees and shrubs. ### Where is Paonias usually found? Gardens and meadows ### How does Paonias hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alexandra-bridge-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## 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: [Paonias: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/paonias)