Ambiguous moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ambiguous moth |
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The ambiguous moth (scientific name: Lascoria ambigualis) is a small, interesting moth. It belongs to a group of moths called litter moths. These moths are part of a very large family known as Erebidae.
This species was first officially described in 1866. It was named by a scientist called Francis Walker.
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The Ambiguous Moth
The ambiguous moth is a type of moth that gets its name from its scientific classification. It is part of the Lascoria group. Moths are insects that are closely related to butterflies. They both belong to the order called Lepidoptera.
What is a Litter Moth?
Litter moths are often found in places with lots of dead leaves. They like areas with plant material on the ground. This is because their caterpillars sometimes feed on these dead leaves. The Erebidae family is one of the largest families of moths. It includes many different kinds of moths.
Where Does This Moth Live?
The ambiguous moth is found in many parts of the United States. You can find it from Wisconsin in the north to Maine in the northeast. It also lives further south in Florida and Texas. This wide range means it can adapt to different environments.
What Does the Ambiguous Moth Look Like?
The ambiguous moth is a small moth. Its wingspan is usually between 21 and 25 millimeters. That's about the length of a small coin. The wingspan is the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are spread out.
The Moth's Life Cycle
Adult ambiguous moths are active for several months. They can be seen flying from April to September. This period is when they mate and lay eggs.
In some areas, like Connecticut, there are two generations of moths each year. This means they complete their life cycle twice. In other places, like Missouri, there can be multiple broods. A brood is a group of offspring hatched at the same time.
What Do Ambiguous Moths Eat?
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, need food to grow. They feed on different types of plants. Their favorite foods include Chrysanthemum species. They also eat plants like Aster and blackberry. Another plant they feed on is Verbesina. Interestingly, larvae have also been raised on dead leaves. This shows they can be quite flexible with their diet.
