Eudryas grata
| Eudryas grata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera (Moths + butterflies) |
| Suborder: | Glossata |
| Infraorder: | Heteroneura |
| (unranked): | Macrolepidoptera |
| Family: | Noctuidae (Owlet moths) |
| Subfamily: | Agaristinae (Forester moths) |
| Genus: | Eudryas (Wood nymphs) |
| Species: | E. grata |
| Binomial name | |
| Eudryas grata Fabricius, 1793 | |
Eudryas grata is a moth known as the beautiful wood nymph. The caterpillars are known to feed on the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
Range
Many regions of North America
Life cycle
Adult
Adult is visually comparable to bird droppings, presumably beneficial for camouflage. Fore-wings are largely white in colour, with accents of golden brown and copper brown (see image for typical patterning). Black head and antennae, with a black dorsal stripe continuing down to the upper abdomen. Abdomen and hind-wings are largely yellowish/cream in colour. When at rest, it's forelimbs typically sit prominently forward; these forelimbs appear thick and fluffy (though the tips are bare), making its appearance reminiscent of a sloth hanging from a tree.
Adult food sources
Not Applicable. As with many other moths, this moth is only known to feed in its larval (caterpillar) stage.
External links
- Photographs of Eudryas grata in their moth and caterpillar forms
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Ohio State University profile