# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Fields and gardens ![Straw Underwing](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Thalpophila_matura_entomart.jpg&width=800) Photo: (c)Entomart, Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thalpophila_matura_entomart.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Thalpophila ## 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 - **Flashy Escape:** Straw Underwing can startle predators by suddenly flashing its bright yellow hindwings, giving it a split second to fly away. - **Night Navigator:** Straw Underwing has special eyes that help it see and fly safely in the dark, finding flowers even on moonless nights. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Feeds on moths and caterpillars during the day. - **Pollinates:** [Butterfly Bush](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [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 Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Straw Underwing? 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 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 ## 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: [Straw Underwing: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/straw-underwing)