Cycnia oregonensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cycnia oregonensis |
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| Cycnia oregonensis oregonensis, male | |
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| Cycnia oregonensis tristis, male | |
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The Cycnia oregonensis is a type of moth. It belongs to a large group of moths called the Erebidae family. This moth lives across most of North America. You can find it from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Its home stretches from the border with Mexico up to central Saskatchewan in Canada and Nova Scotia.
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About the Oregonensis Moth
This moth is known for its simple look. Most Cycnia oregonensis moths have a similar color and pattern. Their front wings, called forewings, are about 19 to 20 millimeters long. That's about the length of two pennies side by side!
Where It Lives
The Cycnia oregonensis moth lives in many different places. It can be found all over North America. This includes areas from the warm southern parts to the cooler northern regions.
What It Looks Like
Most of these moths look very much alike. However, there is a special type called tristis. This type lives in a small area near Olympia, Washington. The tristis moth looks different from the others. It is much grayer and has fewer patterns on its wings. This makes it unique among the Cycnia oregonensis moths.
What It Eats
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, need food to grow. They like to eat plants from the Apocynum family. These plants are their main food source.
Different Types of Oregonensis Moths
Scientists have identified two main types, or subspecies, of the Cycnia oregonensis moth:
- Cycnia oregonensis oregonensis
- Cycnia oregonensis tristis Crabo, 2013 (This type is found in Washington state.)
