# Scarce Straw Pearl (*Paracorsia repandalis*) The Scarce Straw Pearl is a unique moth with beautiful, straw-colored wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is a special sight in gardens and meadows. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Scarce Straw Pearl](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2020_07_19_Paracorsia_repandalis2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Slimguy, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_07_19_Paracorsia_repandalis2.jpg) ## Appearance The Scarce Straw Pearl has delicate, straw-yellow wings often with a subtle pearly sheen, sometimes featuring faint darker markings. Its slender body is similarly colored, helping it blend into dry grassy habitats. This moth appears small and inconspicuous. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Crambidae - **Genus:** Paracorsia ## Interesting facts - Adult moths do not eat solid food, only sipping nectar with a straw-like tongue! - Its caterpillars are picky eaters, dining only on plants like wild thyme or marjoram! - Its scientific name, \*Paracorsia repandalis\*, hints at its 'bent' or wavy wing patterns! - The Scarce Straw Pearl rests with its wings wrapped tightly around its body! ## Special abilities - **Blending Expert:** Scarce Straw Pearl can disappear against dry plants because of its straw-yellow wings, helping them hide from predators. - **Scent Seeker:** Scarce Straw Pearl can find mates in the dark because of special scent detectors, helping them reproduce. - **Gourmet Larva:** Scarce Straw Pearl larvae can grow strong because they only eat specific plants, providing essential nutrients. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-24 mm - **Size:** 8-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip flower nectar; larvae munch on specific plant leaves. - **Age differences:** Larvae consume host plant leaves, while adults only sip nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme) leaves, Origanum vulgare (Wild Marjoram) leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** Common Thyme (*Thymus vulgaris*) — Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant. - **Depends on:** Wild Marjoram (*Origanum vulgare*) — Its larvae also munch on the foliage of this fragrant herb. - **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — This bird and others prey on adult moths. - **Eaten by:** Greater Mouse-eared Bat (*Myotis myotis*) — Bats actively hunt adult moths during their night flights. ## 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. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [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. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch moths; just watch them fly and enjoy their beauty! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Scarce Straw Pearl? 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 Scarce Straw Pearl's wingspan? 20-24 mm ### How big is Scarce Straw Pearl? 8-10 mm ### How long does Scarce Straw Pearl live? 7-14 days ### What does Scarce Straw Pearl eat? Adults sip flower nectar; larvae munch on specific plant leaves. ### Where is Scarce Straw Pearl usually found? Grasslands ### How does Scarce Straw Pearl hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Scarce Straw Pearl have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Central Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-village-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District ## 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: [Scarce Straw Pearl: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scarce-straw-pearl)