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Salt Marsh Moth

Estigmene acrea

The Salt Marsh Moth is a beautiful insect with soft, fuzzy wings. It loves to fly around in warm weather and can often be found near salt marshes, where it lays its eggs.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Salt Marsh Moth has fuzzy, white forewings often spotted with black, and bright orange-yellow hindwings that also feature black spots. Its body is yellow or orange with black markings, making it stand out from many plain white moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusEstigmene
Salt Marsh Moth
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Salt Marsh Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult moths don't eat at all; they live off energy stored as caterpillars!

Caterpillars grow by shedding their skin many times, like changing outfits!

Its caterpillar is called a 'Woolly Bear' and can survive cold by freezing!

Some caterpillars can munch through hundreds of leaves in their lifetime!

Special abilities

Ability

Bristly Bodyguard

Salt Marsh Moth caterpillars are covered in stiff hairs that help protect them from predators who might try to eat them.

Ability

Toxic Taste

Salt Marsh Moth caterpillars can eat poisonous plants and store toxins, making them unappetizing to birds and other predators.

Ability

Flashy Warning

Adult Salt Marsh Moths have bright hindwings that they flash to startle predators, giving them a chance to escape quickly.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-60 mm
Size
15-25 mm
Lifespan
5-10 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars are plant-eaters, munching on many kinds of leaves, while adult moths do not eat.

Age differences: Caterpillars eat many plants, but adult moths do not feed, relying on stored energy.

Primary Foods

  • dandelion
  • plantain
  • ragweed
  • sunflower
  • clover
  • corn

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are generally safe, but it's best to look and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salt Marsh Moth's wingspan?

40-60 mm

How big is Salt Marsh Moth?

15-25 mm

How long does Salt Marsh Moth live?

5-10 days

How fast can Salt Marsh Moth fly?

15 km/h

What does Salt Marsh Moth eat?

Caterpillars are plant-eaters, munching on many kinds of leaves, while adult moths do not eat.

Where is Salt Marsh Moth usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Salt Marsh Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Salt Marsh Moth have?

6

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Where to spot

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