Insect · GBIF taxon 4534245
Pale Mottled Willow Moth
Caradrina clavipalpisAlso known as Pale Mottled Willow
Pale Mottled Willow Moths feature subtle greyish-brown wings marked with fine dark specks and pale renal stigmata. Adult moths readily navigate toward porch lights and indoor spaces during warm summer evenings, while their caterpillars feed on dry plant matter, grasses, and stored grains. Widely distributed across Europe and Asia, this adaptable owlet moth continues to expand its footprint in suburban and urban settings across North America.
NocturnalMothAttracted to Light
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Plantain Leaves
- Stored Grains
Predators
- Bats
- Spiders
- Insectivorous Birds
ThreatsPesticide applications and artificial light pollution.
HabitatsGrassy meadows, agricultural fields, gardens, and urban storage facilities.
Life span1 to 2 months
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusCaradrina
- SpeciesCaradrina clavipalpis
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 UV light on warm summer nights to observe adult moths.
- Close Inspection: Look for small black dots along the forewing costa to verify identification.
- Larval Habitat: Search dry grasses and plant debris around garden borders for caterpillars.
Competitor (c) janet graham, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableFamily Relative
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Pale Mottled Willow Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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