Small mocis moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small mocis moth |
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The small mocis moth or striped grass looper (scientific name: Mocis latipes) is a type of moth. It belongs to a family of moths called Erebidae.
You can find this moth in many places. It lives in North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada, all the way down to Florida in the USA. It also lives west to Arizona and north to Minnesota. From there, it continues south through Central America and into South America.
What Does the Small Mocis Moth Look Like?
Adult small mocis moths have a wingspan of about 33 to 43 millimeters. That's about 1.3 to 1.7 inches wide.
Their front wings, called forewings, are usually yellowish-brown. They might have darker brown patterns or shades. Female moths often look more yellowish or reddish than the males.
The back wings, called hindwings, are also yellowish-brown. They have some dark brown shading and two faint lines across them. Adult moths are usually seen flying from June to October.
What Do Small Mocis Moths Eat?
The young moths, called larvae (or caterpillars), like to eat different kinds of grasses. This includes important crops like rice and corn. They have also been seen munching on plants like beans and turnips.
Images for kids
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An adult small mocis moth.
