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Pearl-band Grass-veneer

Catoptria margaritella

The Pearl-band Grass-veneer is a small, colorful moth that loves to flutter around grassy areas. Its beautiful patterns can look like tiny pearls on its wings, making it a special sight in nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Pearl-band Grass-veneer has buff to pale yellow forewings marked with a distinctive, wavy silvery-white or pearly band across the middle. Its delicate fringes are usually silvery, and its head and thorax are similarly buff-colored, helping it blend into grassy environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusCatoptria
Pearl-band Grass-veneer
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Pearl-band Grass-veneer

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult moths have a straw-like mouthpart to sip dew or nectar.

Its scientific name, *Catoptria margaritella*, means "mirror pearl," referring to its shiny wing band.

This moth is part of a huge family called "Crambidae," often called snout moths!

You might spot this night-flying moth resting on grass during the day!

Special abilities

Ability

Grass Camouflage

Pearl-band Grass-veneer has earthy-toned wings that help them blend perfectly into dry grasses, hiding from hungry predators.

Ability

Night Navigator

Pearl-band Grass-veneer can fly and navigate at night using moonlight and scent trails to find their way.

Ability

Egg Architect

Pearl-band Grass-veneer can lay eggs precisely on grass, ensuring caterpillars hatch directly onto their first meal.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
16-22 mm
Size
7-10 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Its caterpillars munch on various grasses, while adults often don't eat or just sip a little nectar.

Age differences: Larvae graze on grasses, while adults typically do not feed or may sip nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Red fescue
  • Bentgrass

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

Traits

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 Pearl-band Grass-veneer's wingspan?

16-22 mm

How big is Pearl-band Grass-veneer?

7-10 mm

How long does Pearl-band Grass-veneer live?

30-60 days

How fast can Pearl-band Grass-veneer fly?

8 km/h

What does Pearl-band Grass-veneer eat?

Its caterpillars munch on various grasses, while adults often don't eat or just sip a little nectar.

Where is Pearl-band Grass-veneer usually found?

Grasslands

How does Pearl-band Grass-veneer hunt?

Grazing

How many legs does Pearl-band Grass-veneer have?

6

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