Sympistis nigrita facts for kids

Sympistis nigrita is a type of moth that belongs to a large group called the Noctuidae family. These moths are often called "owlet moths" because many of them are active at night. You can find the main kind of Sympistis nigrita moth in the northern parts of Europe.

About the Sympistis Nigrita Moth

This moth is quite small. Its wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are spread out) is usually between 22 and 25 millimeters. That's about the size of a large coin!

What the Larvae Eat

The young moths, called larvae (or caterpillars), have a special diet. They like to eat a plant called Dryas octopetala. This plant is a small, creeping shrub often found in cold, rocky areas.

Different Types of Sympistis Nigrita

Just like there can be different types of dogs, there are also different types, or "subspecies," of this moth. These subspecies might look slightly different or live in different places.

• Sympistis nigrita nigrita: This is the main type found in central Europe.
• Sympistis nigrita zetterstedtii: This type lives across northern Eurasia and goes all the way into northwestern North America.
• Sympistis nigrita kolthoffi: You can find this subspecies in Alaska and the Yukon territory.