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).
Larvae
Adult
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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