# Small Magpie (*Anania hortulata*) The Small Magpie is a colorful moth with beautiful patterns on its wings. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to those who spot it! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Small Magpie](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Small_magpie_%28Anania_hortulata%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_magpie_%28Anania_hortulata%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Small Magpie moth has distinct creamy-white wings boldly marked with irregular black blotches and bands. Its body is also white with black markings, creating a striking checkerboard appearance. This pattern makes it easily recognizable among other small moths. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Crambidae - **Genus:** Anania ## Interesting facts - Baby Small Magpie moths are caterpillars that munch on nettle leaves, transforming completely! - Even though it's called a 'magpie,' it's a moth, not a bird, and it's tiny! - Its scientific name, 'hortulata,' means 'of the garden,' as it loves garden plants! - This moth often rests with its wings spread flat, showcasing its striking checkerboard pattern! ## Special abilities - **Pattern Play:** Small Magpie has striking black and white wings that help it camouflage against patterned foliage or warn potential predators. - **Scent Seeker:** Small Magpie can detect tiny scent molecules using its antennae, which helps it find mates or suitable plants for its caterpillars. - **Nectar Sip:** Small Magpie has a long, coiled proboscis that allows it to drink nectar deeply from flowers, providing essential energy for flight. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-28 mm - **Size:** 10-14 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-25 days - **Flight Speed:** 5-8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Small Magpies drink flower nectar; caterpillars eat various plant leaves, especially nettles. - **Age differences:** Larvae consume plant leaves, while adults feed on flower nectar for energy. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, nettle leaves, mint leaves, oregano leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Common Nettle (*Urtica dioica*) — Larvae feed on its leaves. - **Pollinates:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — Adults drink nectar, helping pollination. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — A common predator of adult moths. ## 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. - [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. - [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. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [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 Don't touch moths, as they can be delicate and easily hurt. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Small Magpie? 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 Small Magpie's wingspan? 20-28 mm ### How big is Small Magpie? 10-14 mm ### How long does Small Magpie live? 14-25 days ### How fast can Small Magpie fly? 5-8 km/h ### What does Small Magpie eat? Adult Small Magpies drink flower nectar; caterpillars eat various plant leaves, especially nettles. ### Where is Small Magpie usually found? Urban areas ### How does Small Magpie hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Bear Swamp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bear-swamp) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve - [Field Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/field-farm) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve ## 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: [Small Magpie: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/small-magpie)