Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
True lover's knot

True lover's knot

Lycophotia porphyrea

A species of Lycophotia

The larva is a small but attractive species, with a wingspan of 2.5 - 3.5 cm (individuals hatched in higher altitudes tend to be smaller than those from the lowlands). The forewings are brown, often tinged with purple and marked with a complex pattern of white markings which are supposed to recall a true lover's knot. The hindwings are grey or buff.

General Info About True lover's knot
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of True lover's knot
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowering plants, honeydew, sap from damaged trees, soaked mineral nutrients from wet soil or dung
Larva Food Source
Calluna vulgaris (heather), vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), vaccinium uliginosum (bog bilberry), empetrum nigrum (crowberry), betula spp. (birch)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The True lover's knot is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The True lover's knot is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The True lover's knot feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of True lover's knot
It is found in the west Palearctic in a wide band through northern, central and eastern Europe and Russia (up to the Ural Mountains).
Rectangle
Adult Size of True lover's knot
2.5 - 3 cm
Rectangle
Predators of True lover's knot Larvae
Birds, rodents, invertebrate predators such as wasps and beetles
Rectangle
Predators of Adult True lover's knot
Bats, birds, rodents, larger arthropods
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About True lover's knot
At dusk, true lover's knot perform a unique shimmering display with their wings to communicate, a behavior rarely seen in their order.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of True lover's knot
Tips for Finding True lover's knot
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of True lover's knot
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of True lover's knot Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of true lover's knot are commonly found on various species of heather and bilberry, where they feed and develop. These larvae are typically located in heathland and moorland habitats, as well as in open woodland areas with abundant ground vegetation. To look for larvae, one should inspect the leaves and stems of these plants in the mentioned habitats. Adult true lover's knot are nocturnal and are attracted to light, so the best chance to observe them is by setting up a light trap at night in areas where the larvae are found or nearby suitable adult feeding sites, such as flower-rich grasslands. Pupae are generally located in the soil or leaf litter near larval food sources, and one might search there during the day for these developmental stages.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe True lover's knot
The ideal time to find true lover's knot would be at night since they are nocturnal. Their peak activity periods often occur in late spring to summer when moths are usually most active and visible.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe True lover's knot
Calm, warm, and slightly humid nights are ideal weather conditions for finding true lover's knot, as such conditions are favorable for moth activity.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find True lover's knot at Different Life Stages
Egg True lover's knot eggs are typically laid on the host plants. Locating these plants and carefully inspecting the undersides of leaves could lead to finding true lover's knot eggs.
Larva True lover's knot caterpillars can often be found on or near their food plants. Look for signs of feeding damage on leaves or the presence of frass (insect droppings) to locate these caterpillars.
Pupal True lover's knot pupae may be found in the soil or among plant litter near the host plants. Searching through leaf litter or just below the soil surface around host plants could reveal true lover's knot pupae.
Adult True lover's knot adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light sources at night. Using a light trap or simply observing near outdoor lights could be effective ways to spot these moths in their adult form.
Are True lover's knot harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of True lover's knot
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Hurt Plant

The larval stage of true lover's knot is particularly damaging, feeding on leaves of various plants. This defoliation can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to significant loss of photosynthetic capacity and compromising plant health.

More Effects of True lover's knot

Beneficial Effects of True lover's knot
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
True lover's knot is an active pollinator, primarily visiting flowers of Asteraceae. It is attracted by the bloom's distinct color and shape. This nocturnal feeder consumes pollen to sustain its energy levels, inadvertently transferring pollen as it moves from flower to flower.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow