About Sallow
A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.
Did You Know?
Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.
How to Identify Sallow
Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae. Adults typically measure 30-36 mm wingspan.
Sallow Habitat
Sallow is found in hedgerows habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Sallow Diet and Feeding
Sallow 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 Sallow Found?
Sallow can be found in Europe, where it inhabits hedgerows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Sallow can be found
Is Sallow Dangerous?
Sallow 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.
Sallow Role in Nature
Sallow 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 Sallow
What does Sallow look like?
The Sallow typically measures 30-36 mm wingspan.
Where is Sallow found?
The Sallow is found in Europe and typically inhabits hedgerows environments.
What does Sallow eat?
The Sallow feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Sallow dangerous to humans?
The Sallow is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Sallow?
Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Sallow (Xanthia icteritia). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/sallow
MLA:
"Sallow." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/sallow.