Two black dots on either side of a large green spot are large enough to see clearly. A smaller black dot sits in the middle of the green 'saddle' spot, right at the center line. Dark, sooty smudges by the wing tips are not as clearly defined as these three dots, but they are larger and blend into shades of gray by the middle of the wings. In addition to the large green saddle, more green areas sit on both sides of the saddle and blend into the dark smudges below. The moth is tiny, taking up as much space as a fingernail, but it is bright enough to be noticed. A profile view reveals a tuft of hair that sticks out between the wings right by the small central black dot.
Larvae feed on smartweed or knotweed. It is bright green with a yellow-green head, and has a thin yellow line running the length of each side of its body.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: white; green; black; gray
