Polypogon tentacularia
Polypogon tentacularia
Its specific name, tentacularia, refers to its unusually long, forward-pointing labial palps which look like tiny tentacles or a snout.
- Scientific name
- Polypogon tentacularia
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Erebidae › Polypogon
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Damp meadows, forest edges, and scrublands with abundant leaf litter.
- Diet
- Larvae primarily feed on withered or decaying leaves of various grasses and low-growing plants.
- Range
- Europe, Northern Asia, Central Asia, Japan
- Size
- Wingspan of 21-30 mm.
- Lifespan
- Adults live 2-4 weeks; full life cycle is approximately 1 year.
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, light pollution, and intensive agricultural practices.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These moths are often attracted to artificial lights at night or found resting on low foliage. They do not bite, sting, or possess irritating hairs. If handled, do so gently as their wing scales are easily damaged. Wash hands after contact.
Polypogon tentacularia is a species of litter moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae . It is found in Europe.
Photo: Tero Linjama, CC0, via iNaturalist
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