Cattail caterpillar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cattail caterpillar |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acronicta
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| Species: |
insularis
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The cattail caterpillar is a type of moth also known as Henry's marsh moth when it's an adult. Its scientific name is Acronicta insularis. This moth was first described by a scientist named Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1868.
You can find this moth all across the United States and in southern Canada. It lives in places like Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Contents
About the Cattail Caterpillar
What it Looks Like
Adult cattail moths have a wingspan of about 35 to 40 millimeters. That's roughly the length of two standard paperclips side-by-side! These moths are usually seen flying from April to September.
What it Eats
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, love to eat certain plants. They feed on Typha species, which are also known as cattails. They also munch on Polygonum species, various grasses, and sedges. Sometimes, they even eat poplar and willow trees.
Its Name Story
This moth was once known by a different scientific name, Simyra insularis. However, in 2015, scientists studied the moth's family tree. They used a method called phylogenetic analysis. Based on this research, the genus Simyra was moved. It became part of the Acronicta genus, which is why its name changed to Acronicta insularis.
Different Types of Cattail Moths
Just like some animals have different breeds or varieties, the cattail moth has subspecies. These are slightly different groups within the same species. The two known subspecies are:
- Acronicta insularis insularis
- Acronicta insularis julitae
Images for kids
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Marsh Dagger (Acronicta insularis)
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