ExploreInsects

Western Catoptria

Catoptria oregonicus

The Western Catoptria is a small, colorful moth that flutters around in grasslands. It has beautiful patterns on its wings that help it blend in with the flowers and grasses.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Western Catoptria is a small moth with shimmering golden-brown forewings streaked by metallic silver or white lines and a distinctive dark dash near the wing tip. Its hindwings are a plain, light brownish-gray. This intricate pattern allows it to blend seamlessly into dry grasses and sun-dappled foliage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusCatoptria
Western Catoptria
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Western Catoptria

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby Western Catoptria moths, called larvae, munch on grass roots underground.

Its scientific name, 'oregonicus,' means 'from Oregon,' where it was first discovered!

This moth belongs to a family called 'grass-veneers' because of how well they hide in grassy areas.

Though a moth, it flies mostly in bright sunshine, often darting quickly between plants!

Special abilities

Ability

Grass Camouflage

Western Catoptria has intricately patterned wings that helps them vanish among dry grasses, making it super hard for predators to spot.

Ability

Nectar Finder

Western Catoptria can use its long proboscis to sip nectar from tiny flowers, fueling its flight and helping plants pollinate.

Ability

Sunlight Seeker

Western Catoptria is active during the day because it has adapted to feed and fly when the sun is out, unlike most moths.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-28 mm
Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
10-21 days
Flight Speed
5 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults enjoy flower nectar, while their larvae are busy eating the roots and stems of grasses.

Age differences: Larvae consume grass roots and stems, while adults feed exclusively on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • grass roots
  • grass stems

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Kentucky bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Larvae feed on the roots and stems.

pollinates

Canada goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adults visit flowers for nectar.

eaten by

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

Birds may prey on adult moths.

eaten by

Six-spotted Orbweaver

Araniella displicata

Spiders may catch moths in webs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Catoptria's wingspan?

20-28 mm

How big is Western Catoptria?

10-14 mm

How long does Western Catoptria live?

10-21 days

How fast can Western Catoptria fly?

5 km/h

What does Western Catoptria eat?

Adults enjoy flower nectar, while their larvae are busy eating the roots and stems of grasses.

Where is Western Catoptria usually found?

Grasslands

How does Western Catoptria hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Western Catoptria 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