About Autumnal Moth
A grayish-brown moth with faint wavy crosslines on the forewings. It flies in autumn in subarctic birch forests. Periodic outbreaks of its larvae can completely defoliate vast areas of mountain birch forest.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks of this moth in Scandinavian birch forests occur roughly every 10 years and can kill entire mountain birch forests across thousands of hectares.
How to Identify Autumnal Moth
Autumnal Moth (Epirrita autumnata) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Geometridae. Adults typically measure 28-35 mm wingspan.
Autumnal Moth Habitat
Autumnal Moth is found in forests habitats, particularly across Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Siberia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Autumnal Moth Diet and Feeding
Autumnal Moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Autumnal Moth Found?
Autumnal Moth can be found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Siberia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Autumnal Moth can be found
Is Autumnal Moth Dangerous?
Autumnal Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Autumnal Moth Role in Nature
Autumnal Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Autumnal Moth
What does Autumnal Moth look like?
The Autumnal Moth typically measures 28-35 mm wingspan.
Where is Autumnal Moth found?
The Autumnal Moth is found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Siberia and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Autumnal Moth eat?
The Autumnal Moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Autumnal Moth dangerous to humans?
The Autumnal Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Autumnal Moth?
Outbreaks of this moth in Scandinavian birch forests occur roughly every 10 years and can kill entire mountain birch forests across thousands of hectares.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Autumnal Moth (Epirrita autumnata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/autumnal-moth
MLA:
"Autumnal Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/autumnal-moth.