Mottled rustic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mottled rustic |
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| Scientific classification |
The mottled rustic (scientific name: Caradrina morpheus) is a type of moth. It belongs to a large group of moths called Noctuoidea. A scientist named Johann Siegfried Hufnagel first described this moth in 1766.
You can find the mottled rustic moth in many parts of the world. It lives across a huge area called the Palearctic region. This includes northern Europe, Siberia, the Amur River area, and Korea. It also lives in Armenia and Turkestan.
Sometimes, this moth has traveled to new places by accident. It was brought to Canada on both the east and west coasts. In eastern Canada, it has been seen from New Brunswick to Ontario. In western Canada, it lives in British Columbia.
Contents
What the Mottled Rustic Moth Looks Like
The mottled rustic moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan is usually between 32 and 38 millimeters (about 1.2 to 1.5 inches). The front wings are about 13 to 16 millimeters long.
Colors and Patterns
The front wings of this moth are often a dull dark brownish-gray. They might look a bit glossy. You might see some faint lines and spots on them. These spots are called stigmata and are usually darker and clear to see. There is also a pale line near the edge of the wing, which can have darker smudges.
The back wings are a dull, shiny white. They have a small dark spot in the middle. The veins near the edge of the wing might look gray.
Life Cycle of the Mottled Rustic Moth
The mottled rustic moth usually flies for one part of the year. You can see them from the middle of May until August.
What the Larvae Eat
The larvae, or caterpillars, of the mottled rustic moth are usually grayish-brown or dark brown. They have a lighter line down their back. They also have dark, arrow-shaped markings on their sides. Their head is brown with small dark spots.
These caterpillars eat different kinds of plants. They especially like common weeds. Some of their favorite foods include nettle and dandelion plants.
Images for kids
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Figs 2, 2a, 2b larva after last moult
