Balsa tristrigella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balsa tristrigella |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Balsa
|
| Species: |
B. tristrigella
|
| Binomial name | |
| Balsa tristrigella (Walker, 1866)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The three-lined balsa moth (Balsa tristrigella) is a small, interesting insect. It belongs to the moth family called Noctuidae, which includes many different types of moths. You can find this particular moth flying around in eastern North America.
Contents
Meet the Three-Lined Balsa Moth
This moth gets its name from the special lines on its wings. It's a common sight in its native areas. Moths are fascinating creatures that go through a complete change, from egg to larva (caterpillar), then to pupa, and finally to an adult moth.
What Does This Moth Look Like?
The three-lined balsa moth is not very big. Its wingspan is usually between 25 and 30 millimeters. That's about the length of a small paperclip!
- Forewings: The front wings are mostly light gray. They become a bit brownish towards the outer edges. You'll notice several thin black lines running along the wing. These lines get thicker closer to the wing's tip.
- Hindwings: The back wings are a pale yellowish-gray color. They also have a thin, dark line along their very edge.
Where Does the Moth Live?
This moth makes its home in the eastern parts of North America. This includes a wide range of habitats, from forests to gardens. They are often found in areas where their food plants grow.
What Do Three-Lined Balsa Moths Eat?
Like many moths, the three-lined balsa moth has different diets at different stages of its life.
- Larvae (Caterpillars): The young caterpillars of this moth love to munch on Crataegus species. Hawthorn plants are small trees or shrubs that are common in many parts of North America.
- Adults: Adult moths typically feed on nectar from flowers. This gives them the energy they need to fly and lay eggs.
When Can You See Them?
Adult three-lined balsa moths are usually active from May to August. During these months, you might spot them flying around, especially at night, as many moths are nocturnal. They are busy finding mates and laying eggs to start the next generation.
