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Welsh Wave Moth

Venusia cambrica

The Welsh Wave Moth is a beautiful insect with wavy patterns on its wings. It loves to fly around gardens and fields, especially at night when it looks for tasty flowers.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Welsh Wave Moth has pale greyish-white forewings distinctly patterned with intricate darker wavy cross-lines. These patterns help it mimic lichen or tree bark, providing excellent camouflage. It also features a small, dark discal spot on each wing.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusVenusia
Welsh Wave Moth
camouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Welsh Wave Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A second brood of moths can emerge in late summer during warm years.

Baby Welsh Wave Moths (caterpillars) are called 'loopers' because of how they walk.

Its 'wave' patterns are so unique, they inspired its name!

They can shiver their wings to warm up flight muscles on chilly nights.

Special abilities

Ability

Disappearing Act

Welsh Wave Moths blend perfectly into tree bark because their wavy wing patterns mimic lichen, helping them hide from predators.

Ability

Nighttime Navigator

Welsh Wave Moths use large compound eyes to navigate and find flowers because they are mostly active at night.

Ability

Growth Spurt Genius

Welsh Wave Moth caterpillars transform inside a cozy pupa that helps them change into a flying adult moth.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-30 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Welsh Wave Moths drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Age differences: Adults feed on nectar, while caterpillars feed on the leaves of specific trees like Rowan and Birch.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • Rowan leaves
  • Birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia

Larvae munch on its leaves.

eats

Silver Birch

Betula pendula

Caterpillars feed on its foliage.

eaten by

Natterer's Bat

Myotis nattereri

Flies at night, a tasty treat for bats.

eaten by

Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Adults and caterpillars are prey for birds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Welsh Wave Moth's wingspan?

25-30 mm

How big is Welsh Wave Moth?

10-15 mm

How long does Welsh Wave Moth live?

30-60 days

What does Welsh Wave Moth eat?

Adult Welsh Wave Moths drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Where is Welsh Wave Moth usually found?

Grasslands

How does Welsh Wave Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Welsh Wave Moth have?

6

Snap Map

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