ExploreInsects

Small Yellow Underwing

Panemeria tenebrata

The Small Yellow Underwing is a pretty little moth with bright yellow wings. It loves to fly around gardens and fields, especially at night when it comes out to play!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Small Yellow Underwing has dull brownish-grey forewings that might seem plain, but reveal bright, contrasting yellow hindwings with a distinctive black border when in flight. This striking flash of color is a key identifying feature, giving it its name.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusPanemeria
Small Yellow Underwing
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Small Yellow Underwing

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult moths are nocturnal, meaning they flutter around only after the sun sets.

Its caterpillars spend winter underground, waiting for spring to emerge!

Some moths can taste with their feet to find the perfect yummy plants!

This moth's plain outer wings help it disappear against tree bark during the day.

Special abilities

Ability

Flash of Surprise

Small Yellow Underwing can suddenly reveal its bright yellow hindwings to startle predators, giving it a chance to escape quickly.

Ability

Night Navigator

Small Yellow Underwing has sensitive antennae that help them detect faint chemical trails from potential mates and food sources in the dark.

Ability

Hidden Feeder

Small Yellow Underwing caterpillars have powerful mandibles that allow them to munch through tough plant stems and leaves unnoticed.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-25 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This moth sips nectar from flowers, while its caterpillars munch on various plants.

Age differences: Adult moths drink nectar, but caterpillars eat plant leaves and stems.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • grass
  • dandelion
  • dock
  • clover

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Pipistrelle Bat

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Bats hunt adult moths at night using echolocation.

eats

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Caterpillars feed on its leaves and roots.

eats

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Its leaves are a common food for the caterpillars.

eats

Garden Wolf Spider

Pardosa amentata

Spiders can ambush caterpillars and adult moths.

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 Small Yellow Underwing's wingspan?

20-25 mm

How big is Small Yellow Underwing?

8-12 mm

How long does Small Yellow Underwing live?

10-20 days

What does Small Yellow Underwing eat?

This moth sips nectar from flowers, while its caterpillars munch on various plants.

Where is Small Yellow Underwing usually found?

Grasslands

How does Small Yellow Underwing hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Small Yellow Underwing have?

6

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