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Small Bird-dropping Moth
ExploreInsects
Small Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia erastrioides
The Small Bird-dropping Moth is a tiny moth that looks like bird poop! This clever disguise helps it stay safe from hungry birds and other predators.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Small Bird-dropping Moth is a tiny, mottled insect with a striking disguise. Its wings are a chaotic mix of white, brown, and black splotches, perfectly mimicking fresh bird droppings. This irregular pattern allows it to blend seamlessly onto leaves or bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusAcontia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name, Ponometia erastrioides, means 'like Erastria', another moth genus.
Moth species like this help pollinate flowers under the moonlight!
The tiny caterpillars of this moth eat common ragweed plants.
This moth is often found resting on leaves, pretending to be something else!
Special abilities
Ability
Dropping Disguise
Small Bird-dropping Moth has irregular white, brown, and black markings that help them perfectly camouflage as bird droppings.
Ability
Nocturnal Navigator
Small Bird-dropping Moth can fly actively at night because they use feathery antennae to sense chemicals from food and mates.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 14-20 mm
- Size
- 7-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Young moths munch on leaves, while grown-up moths sip flower nectar!
Age differences: Larvae feed on leaves, primarily ragweed, while adults consume nectar from various flowers.
Primary Foods
- ragweed leaves
- goldenrod leaves
- flower nectar
- tree sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
This bat hunts moths at night.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
This bird might spot and eat the moth.
pollinates
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Adult moths visit its flowers for nectar.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths you find outside; they are best left in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Bird-dropping Moth's wingspan?
14-20 mm
How big is Small Bird-dropping Moth?
7-10 mm
How long does Small Bird-dropping Moth live?
7-28 days
How fast can Small Bird-dropping Moth fly?
8 km/h
What does Small Bird-dropping Moth eat?
Young moths munch on leaves, while grown-up moths sip flower nectar!
Where is Small Bird-dropping Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Small Bird-dropping Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Bird-dropping Moth have?
6
Snap Map
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