ExploreInsects

The Uncertain

Hoplodrina octogenaria

The Uncertain is a special moth that loves to fly around at night. It has beautiful, soft wings that can be gray or brown, helping it blend in with the trees and leaves.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Uncertain is a medium-sized moth with sandy-brown to greyish forewings, often appearing mottled or 'dusty'. Its most distinguishing marks are two faint, dark kidney-shaped spots and a pale, wavy line near the wing's outer edge, making it blend well with tree bark.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusHoplodrina
The Uncertain
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
The Uncertain

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult moths can sometimes fly even on warm winter nights if conditions are mild!

It helps scientists understand how creatures adapt their life cycles to different seasons!

Its caterpillars eat so many different plants, they're not picky eaters at all!

Its name comes from how tricky it is to tell apart from similar moths!

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Disguise

The Uncertain can blend perfectly with tree bark because its mottled wings look just like lichen and wood, helping them hide from predators.

Ability

Night Navigator

The Uncertain can navigate in the dark using specialized antennae that detect faint chemical trails and air currents, helping them find food and mates at night.

Ability

Fast Generations

The Uncertain can have several generations in a single year because its larvae develop quickly, allowing them to take advantage of short warm seasons.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-38 mm
Size
12-16 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar, while their caterpillars munch on various plant leaves.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat leaves from many different plants, but adult moths drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • oak leaves
  • willow leaves
  • birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Young moths and caterpillars are a snack for birds.

depends on

English Oak

Quercus robur

Its caterpillars munch on the leaves of oak trees.

eats

Butterfly-bush

Buddleja davidii

Adult moths often sip nectar from butterfly bushes.

eaten by

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Night-flying bats hunt and eat adult moths.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but it's best to look without touching them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Uncertain's wingspan?

30-38 mm

How big is The Uncertain?

12-16 mm

How long does The Uncertain live?

10-20 days

How fast can The Uncertain fly?

8 km/h

What does The Uncertain eat?

Adults sip nectar, while their caterpillars munch on various plant leaves.

Where is The Uncertain usually found?

Forests

How does The Uncertain hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does The Uncertain have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects