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Swan Moth
ExploreInsects
Swan Moth
Sphrageidus similis
The Swan Moth is a beautiful insect with soft, white wings that look like a swan's feathers. They are often seen fluttering around gardens and fields, especially in the evening.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Swan Moth is a small, fluffy moth with pure white wings and a contrasting bright yellow, furry tail tuft on its abdomen. Its antennae are feathery, especially in males. This distinct yellow tail makes it stand out from other white moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusSphrageidus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Swan Moths can still cause skin irritation if you accidentally brush against them!
Female Swan Moths protect their eggs with irritating hairs from their own bodies!
Male Swan Moths have super fluffy antennae to sniff out females from far away!
Tiny Swan Moth caterpillars eat and grow for almost a year before becoming a moth!
Special abilities
Ability
Sting Protection
Swan Moth has irritating hairs on its body from its caterpillar stage, which helps them deter hungry predators.
Ability
Winter Nap
Swan Moth caterpillars can pause their growth to hibernate through winter, helping them be ready for spring's fresh leaves.
Ability
Warning Signal
Swan Moth has a bright yellow tail tuft that can be displayed, helping to warn predators of its irritating defenses.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Swan Moths sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on many tree and shrub leaves.
Age differences: Young caterpillars eat leaves; adults primarily drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Oak leaves
- Willow leaves
- Hawthorn leaves
- Bramble nectar
- Ragwort nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Oak
Quercus robur
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.
depends on
Bramble
Rubus fruticosus
Adult moths visit its flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Birds like tits prey on its caterpillars.
parasitizes
Large Cabbage White Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia glomerata
This wasp lays eggs inside its caterpillars.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swan Moth's wingspan?
30-45 mm
How big is Swan Moth?
15-20 mm
How long does Swan Moth live?
7-14 days
What does Swan Moth eat?
Adult Swan Moths sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on many tree and shrub leaves.
Where is Swan Moth usually found?
Grasslands
How does Swan Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Swan Moth have?
6
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