Orange sallow moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhodoecia aurantiago |
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Rhodoecia
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R. aurantiago
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| Rhodoecia aurantiago (Guenée, 1852)
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The orange sallow moth (Rhodoecia aurantiago) is a fascinating type of moth. It is also sometimes called the Aureolaria seed borer because of what its young eat. This moth belongs to the Noctuidae family, which includes many different kinds of moths.
About the Orange Sallow Moth
The orange sallow moth is known for its pretty colors. It is a medium-sized moth that flies mostly at night. These moths play a role in their ecosystems, just like many other insects.
Where They Live
You can find the orange sallow moth in many places across North America. They live in a wide area, from southern Maine and Massachusetts in the east. Their habitat stretches west through southern Ontario in Canada. It also goes to south-western Wisconsin and Missouri. In the south, they can be found all the way down to Florida and Texas.
In the state of Connecticut, this moth is considered a "threatened" species. This means there are concerns about its numbers. Steps are being taken to help protect them and their homes.
Appearance and Flight Time
The orange sallow moth has a wingspan of about 30 millimeters (which is about 1.2 inches). This is roughly the length of a standard paperclip.
Adult moths can be seen flying at different times of the year. In the northern parts of their range, like Maine, they are usually active from July to September. Further south, in places like Texas and North Carolina, they mostly fly in September. In Florida, you might see them from September through October.
What They Eat
The young orange sallow moths are called larvae or caterpillars. These larvae have a special diet. They feed on plants from the Aureolaria genus. Specifically, they eat Aureolaria flava and Aureolaria pedicularia. These plants are important for the caterpillars to grow and develop.
