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Straw Underwing

Thalpophila matura

The Straw Underwing is a special moth with beautiful brown and yellow wings. It likes to fly around at night and can often be found near fields and gardens.

Habitat: Fields and gardens

Appearance

The Straw Underwing has dull yellowish-brown forewings that help it camouflage against bark. When disturbed, it reveals bright straw-yellow hindwings, each marked with a distinct dark band. This striking contrast helps surprise predators.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusThalpophila
Straw Underwing
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Straw Underwing

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Did you know moths help pollinate flowers too, just like busy bees do?

Some moths have taste buds on their feet to find yummy plants for their babies!

Straw Underwings are nocturnal, meaning they are most active when the sun goes down!

Their fuzzy bodies help keep them warm on cool nights, like wearing a tiny coat!

Special abilities

Ability

Flashy Escape

Straw Underwing can startle predators by suddenly flashing its bright yellow hindwings, giving it a split second to fly away.

Ability

Night Navigator

Straw Underwing has special eyes that help it see and fly safely in the dark, finding flowers even on moonless nights.

Ability

Scent Mapper

Straw Underwing can use its antennae to 'smell' tiny amounts of pheromones, helping it find a mate from far away.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
35-40 mm
Size
15-18 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Flight Speed
8-12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Straw Underwings sip sweet nectar, while their caterpillars munch on yummy grasses.

Age differences: Caterpillars eat grasses; adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Wild grasses
  • Buddleia flowers
  • Thistle flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Greater Mouse-eared Bat

Myotis myotis

Hunts moths using echolocation at night.

eaten by

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Feeds on moths and caterpillars during the day.

pollinates

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii

Visits flowers to drink nectar, spreading pollen.

eats

Annual Bluegrass

Poa annua

Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this common grass.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Ambushes adult moths near ponds and damp areas.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Straw Underwing's wingspan?

35-40 mm

How big is Straw Underwing?

15-18 mm

How long does Straw Underwing live?

14-28 days

How fast can Straw Underwing fly?

8-12 km/h

What does Straw Underwing eat?

Adult Straw Underwings sip sweet nectar, while their caterpillars munch on yummy grasses.

Where is Straw Underwing usually found?

Fields and gardens

How does Straw Underwing hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Straw Underwing have?

6

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