#antler moth

[moth-daily-official]

Moth #19

Todays moth is the antler moth!!!

These moths live in places like england and wales and are most noticeable because of the antler shaped pattern on their wings!!! The adults actually fly during the day! The caterpillars are around from march to june!! the caterpillars eat different kinds of grasses like purple moor grass!!!

[dailybugfacts]

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TODAY'S FACT IS

Did you know that the Antler Moth (Cerapteryx graminis) is a diurnal moth? It gets its name from the antler like markings on its forewings. These moths are commonly found feeding on various grasses throughout most of Europe and the British Isles.

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Photo by Garry Barlow on butterfly-conservation

[michaelnordeman]

Antler moth/gaffelgräsfly. Värmland, Sweden (August 1, 2019).

[libraryofmoths]

Moth of the Week

Antler Moth

Cerapteryx graminis

The antler moth is a part of the family Noctuidae. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus. This moth gets its name from the antler shaped mark in its forewings.

Description This moth species has brown forewings, with a “basal streak” of white that branches out. This mark may vary in size per moth. The forewings show a mirrored pattern of the base brown broken up by the branches and a few spots and lines of lighter brown. The forewing also may or may not have black streaks. The hindwing is dark brown with a white fringe.

Males are smaller than females with fluffier antennae.

Male Wingspan: 27 - 32mm (≈1.06 - 1.26in)

Female Wingspan: 35 - 39mm (≈1.38 - 1.53in)

Diet and Habitat The larva of this species feeds on grasses such as Deschampsia, Sheep’s-fescue (Festuca ovina), Mat-grass (Nardus stricta) and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). It has also been found on sedges and rushes. When the larva population is concentrated enough, they can damage pastures. Adults feed on flowers such as thistles and ragworts.

This species is common through most of Europe. It’s northernmost reach is Iceland and above the Arctic Circle. It’s easternmost reach is Siberia and North Mongolia. This moth does not occur in the dry southern regions of Europe. It has been introduced to North America. Additionally, this species inhabits the Alps. They prefer habitats of grassland, favouring acid upland pasture, moorland and downland.

Mating Adult moths are seen flying from July to September. They presumably mate in this time frame.

Predators This moth flies during the day, especially in the north, warm weather, and early mornings, and at night. They are presumably preyed on by both daytime and night time predators like birds and bats. They are attracted to light. To protect themselves during the day, this moth hides in the grass.

Fun Fact The antler moth rises to an altitude of 2100 meters in the Alps.

(Source: Wikipedia, Butterfly Conservation)

[stardust-jelly]

The antler moth (Cerapteryx graminis) is part of the family Noctuidae, it's common species throughout Europe but isn't in dry southern regions. This species is unusual for a noctiud sexual dimorphism. The male has a wingspan of 27-33 mm but the female is larger with a wingspan of 35-39 mm. The forewings are brown and speckled with black and marked with a bold white branched basal streak which gives the species it's common name. The hind wings are dark brown with a white fringe. This moth often flies during the day, especially in warm weather and is attracted to a range of flowers. It also flies at night and is attracted to light, the adults fly around July to September. The larvae are greenish and change their color with age to grey brown to brown. They appear clumsy and have a roller shape. The species overwinters as an egg.

[ifelten]

Mosebunkeugle (Cerapteryx graminis)

Antler Moth (Cerapteryx graminis)

[moths-daily]

Moth of the day #8

Antler moth

Cerapteryx graminis

From the noctuidae family. They have a wingspan of 27-39 mm. They frequently inhabit grassland and moorland. This is a common species all throughout Europe, and has been introduced to North America as well.

[onenicebugperday]

@robotzebra​ submitted: Two more swedish bugs from the archives, for your viewing pleasure.

A pretty beetle found in the woods. Platycerus caprea.

And I love this antler moth (Cerapteryx graminis). It looks like they are wearing a fabulous fur coat.

Two very lovely friends! I am deeply enjoying viewing them. I love antler moths and I realize they’re named for the antler-like markings on their wings but I REALLY wish they had antennae that looked like deer antlers