ExploreInsects

The Chestnut

Conistra vaccinii

The Chestnut is a small, furry caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It loves to munch on leaves and can be found in gardens and forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Chestnut is a medium-sized moth with broad forewings, typically reddish-brown to orange-brown. It often has two distinct, darker kidney-shaped and circular spots on its wings. Its overall appearance can have a subtle purplish tint, especially in fresh specimens.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusConistra
The Chestnut
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The Chestnut

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult moths love to drink tree sap and sugary fruit juice.

It often wakes up for a snack on warm winter nights!

Its wings look like fallen leaves, a perfect natural camouflage.

The caterpillar changes its diet as it grows older.

Special abilities

Ability

Temperature Control

The Chestnut can survive freezing temperatures because its body produces a natural antifreeze, helping it hibernate through winter.

Ability

Early Riser

The Chestnut has the ability to emerge and fly on mild winter days, helping it find food and mates before most other insects.

Ability

Diet Adaptability

The Chestnut caterpillar can feed on leaves from many different trees, allowing it to thrive in various woodland habitats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-38 mm
Size
15-40 mm
Lifespan
150-210 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip nectar, sap, and juice from rotting fruits.

Age differences: Young caterpillars might prefer softer leaves, while adults switch entirely to liquid sugars.

Primary Foods

  • Willow leaves (*Salix*)
  • Bilberry leaves (*Vaccinium*)
  • Oak leaves (*Quercus*)
  • Blackthorn leaves (*Prunus spinosa*)
  • Nectar
  • Tree sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Goat Willow

Salix caprea

Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this common willow tree.

eats

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Its caterpillars are often found munching on bilberry leaves.

eats

Blackthorn

Prunus spinosa

Larvae also feed on the foliage of blackthorn bushes.

eaten by

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Adult moths are a food source for bats like the common pipistrelle.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Caterpillars and pupae can be preyed upon by insectivorous birds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch caterpillars without asking an adult, as some can be prickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Chestnut's wingspan?

30-38 mm

How big is The Chestnut?

15-40 mm

How long does The Chestnut live?

150-210 days

How fast can The Chestnut fly?

8 km/h

What does The Chestnut eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult moths sip nectar, sap, and juice from rotting fruits.

Where is The Chestnut usually found?

Forests

How does The Chestnut hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does The Chestnut have?

6

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