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Small Engrailed Moth

Ectropis crepuscularia

The Ectropis crepuscularia, commonly known as the Small Engrailed Moth, is a small moth found in the Palearctic region, including Europe and Asia. It has a wingspan of approximately 2 to 2.5 cm and is known for its distinct wavy lines across its wings. These wavy lines are usually brown in color and are crossed by three to four small black tooth-like markings.

The species’ scientific name, crepuscularia, means “twilight,” as this moth is most active during the dawn and dusk hours. A fun fact about this species is that it is one of the few moth species that can fly during the day as well as at night.

The Small Engrailed Moth can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, and woodland areas. The larvae of this species are known to feed on the leaves of various trees, including oak and birch.

One of the most distinctive features of this moth is its wing pattern, which often resembles that of tree bark or lichen. This camouflaging helps the Small Engrailed Moth to blend into its environment and avoid detection by predators.

Habitat
forests, woodlands, shrublands
Scientific Name
Ectropis crepuscularia
Status
Common
Wing Span
30mm to 41mm
General Size
Small
Wing Color
black
black
brown
brown
white
white
Marking's Color
black
black
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Wavy lines across the wings

  2. Small black toothlike markings across 3 or 4 of the lines. Darkest mark appears on the center of the wing near the postmedian line

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.