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The Sallow
ExploreInsects
The Sallow
Xanthia icteritia
The Sallow is a small, colorful moth that flutters around at night. It has beautiful yellow and brown patterns on its wings, making it look like a tiny piece of art in nature.
Habitat: Gardens, fields
Appearance
The Sallow is a moth with bright yellow to orangey-yellow wings, often marked with reddish-brown wavy cross-lines and a distinct kidney-shaped spot. Its vibrant autumn colours help it blend in perfectly with changing leaves. This coloration makes it easily distinguishable from plainer moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusXanthia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Sallow moths fly in late summer and autumn, mostly after sunset.
Its name, "Sallow," comes from the willow trees its caterpillars absolutely love to eat!
Look for them near outdoor lights at night, especially during autumn.
When a Sallow caterpillar finishes eating, it wiggles deep into the ground to transform!
Special abilities
Ability
Nature's Cloak
The Sallow has bright yellow wings with reddish markings that help them blend perfectly with autumn leaves, hiding from hungry birds.
Ability
Leaf Architect
The Sallow caterpillar can roll up a leaf and secure it with silk, creating a cozy shelter to hide and eat safely inside.
Ability
Winter Sleeper
The Sallow can spend the whole winter as a pupa buried in the soil, safely sleeping until spring arrives.
Ability
Nectar Sipper
The Sallow has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them reach deep inside flowers to sip their sweet nectar.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-40 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, while adult moths enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat leaves from sallow and willow trees. Adults feed on nectar from various autumn flowers.
Primary Foods
- sallow leaves
- willow leaves
- aspen leaves
- autumn flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Goat Willow
Salix caprea
Sallow caterpillars munch on its leaves for food.
eaten by
Aspen
Populus tremula
Its caterpillars also feed on the leaves of Aspen trees.
eaten by
Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentonii
This bat preys on adult Sallow moths while they fly at night.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Great tits will hunt and eat Sallow caterpillars.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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 observe them without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sallow's wingspan?
30-40 mm
How big is The Sallow?
15-20 mm
How long does The Sallow live?
10-20 days
How fast can The Sallow fly?
5-15 km/h
What does The Sallow eat?
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, while adult moths enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.
Where is The Sallow usually found?
Gardens, fields
How does The Sallow hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does The Sallow have?
6
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