Insect
Orache Moth
Trachea atriplicisAlso known as Orache Owlet
Orache moths feature dark greyish-brown forewings marbled with subtle moss-green patches and a distinctive white mark near the center. Caterpillars feed on orache and goosefoot plants, hiding near the base of foliage by day and emerging at night. Flying from late spring into summer across Palearctic meadows and coastal wastes, adults readily come to light and night-blooming flowers.
MothNocturnalPalearctic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyOrache species, Goosefoot species, Knotgrass species
Predators
- Bats
- Insectivorous birds
- Spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss through coastal development and heavy pesticide use
HabitatsCoastal dunes, salt marshes, waste ground, disturbed soils, gardens
Life span1–2 weeks as adult; 1 year life cycle
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusTrachea
- SpeciesTrachea atriplicis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Trapping: Use a low-energy light trap or light sheet to observe adult moths at night without harm.
- Host Plant Search: Examine wild orache and goosefoot stands after dark to find feeding caterpillars.
Similar Appearance (c) Ben Sale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) ingridaltmann, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) mnauky, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Orache Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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