Less than a centimeter long, Riding's Fairy Moth would be easy to miss if it wasn't so ornate. A shiny, silver band crosses the wings at the middle. Below that, large and small black spots are highlighted with silver. The face is covered in unkempt, overgrown hairs. The overall color of the moth is golden brown though some may look more yellow-brown. Extremely long antennae extend well beyond the moth and are almost twice the length of it.
Caterpillars are believed to feed on Virigina creeper, a native vine. Adults can sometimes be seen drinking nectar from flowers though they are nocturnal.
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: brown; orange; black; white; silver
