# The Flame (*Axylia putris*) The Flame is a colorful moth with bright orange and black markings. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing a splash of color to nature. Watch for it at dusk when it comes out to play! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![The Flame](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Axylia_putris01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Axylia_putris01.jpg) ## Appearance The Flame moth has reddish-brown forewings with a distinctive black streak along the leading edge, resembling a flame. Its prominent kidney-shaped mark is often tinged with red, making it visually different from many other brown moths. The hindwings are a contrasting pale grey or whitish. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Axylia ## Interesting facts - Adult Flame moths don't eat solid food, only liquid nectar! - Its fuzzy body helps it stay warm during cool night flights! - Some people call its caterpillars 'cutworms' because of how they eat! - The caterpillars of this moth hide in the soil during the day! ## Special abilities - **Night Vision Navigator:** The Flame can navigate in the dark because of specialized eyes that help them find food and mates at night. - **Flower Nectar Feeder:** The Flame has a long, coiled proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar deep inside flowers. - **Camouflage Master:** The Flame can blend into tree bark or dead leaves because of its cryptic wing patterns that help them hide from predators. - **Vibration Sensor:** The Flame has sensitive antennae that help them detect subtle air vibrations to avoid danger and find mates. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-38 mm - **Size:** 15-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Young caterpillars munch on plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar. - **Age differences:** Caterpillars feed on plant leaves and stems, while adults feed solely on liquid flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Plantago major, Rumex acetosa, Taraxacum officinale, Grasses, Flower nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Greater Plantain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-plantain) (*Plantago major*) — Its caterpillars feed on the leaves and stems of this common plant. - **Eats:** [Common Sorrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-sorrel) (*Rumex acetosa*) — Young caterpillars also munch on the foliage of this wild plant. - **Eaten by:** Greater Mouse-eared Bat (*Myotis myotis*) — Adult moths can be hunted by these nocturnal flying mammals. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Birds like this one will feed on The Flame caterpillars. ## 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. - [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. - [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 usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify The Flame? 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 The Flame's wingspan? 30-38 mm ### How big is The Flame? 15-20 mm ### How long does The Flame live? 7-14 days ### How fast can The Flame fly? 15 km/h ### What does The Flame eat? Young caterpillars munch on plant leaves, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar. ### Where is The Flame usually found? Grasslands ### How does The Flame 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: [The Flame: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/the-flame)