About Swallow-tailed Moth
A large, pale lemon-yellow moth with pointed tail-like projections on its hindwings. Its graceful shape and colour make it one of the most elegant geometrid moths.
Did You Know?
Despite its butterfly-like tail extensions, it is a true moth and is strongly attracted to light.
How to Identify Swallow-tailed Moth
Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Geometridae. Adults typically measure 50-62 mm wingspan.
Swallow-tailed Moth Habitat
Swallow-tailed Moth is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Swallow-tailed Moth Diet and Feeding
Swallow-tailed Moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Swallow-tailed Moth Found?
Swallow-tailed Moth can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Swallow-tailed Moth can be found
Is Swallow-tailed Moth Dangerous?
Swallow-tailed 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.
Swallow-tailed Moth Role in Nature
Swallow-tailed Moth plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Swallow-tailed Moth are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Swallow-tailed Moth
What does Swallow-tailed Moth look like?
The Swallow-tailed Moth typically measures 50-62 mm wingspan.
Where is Swallow-tailed Moth found?
The Swallow-tailed Moth is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Swallow-tailed Moth eat?
The Swallow-tailed Moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Swallow-tailed Moth dangerous to humans?
The Swallow-tailed Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Swallow-tailed Moth?
Despite its butterfly-like tail extensions, it is a true moth and is strongly attracted to light.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/swallow-tailed-moth
MLA:
"Swallow-tailed Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/swallow-tailed-moth.