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Old lady

Old lady

Mormo maura

A species of Mormo

A fascinating creature of the night, old lady thrives in a nocturnal realm, guided by finely tuned sensory receptors to navigate the dark. This species exhibits a remarkable adaptation to blend into its environment with wing patterns that provide effective camouflage against predators. Its diet comprises a variety of plant materials, changing with its life stage from the herbivorous caterpillar that favors specific foliage, to the adult that may feed on nectar or not at all, having reduced mouthparts after metamorphosis.

General Info About Old lady
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Attributes of Old lady
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
near water; valley; meadow; bog; shore area
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from species such as ivy, bramble, heather, thistles, and buddleia
Larva Food Source
Dock leaves, plantains, dandelion, bramble, and other low-growing plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Old lady is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Old lady 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 Old lady 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
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Old lady
It is found in the Palearctic ecozone, from north-western Africa through all over southern Europe. In some Nordic countries, there are single finds. The other occurrence areas include Turkestan, Anatolia, the Middle East and Iraq.
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Distribution Area of Old lady
Northwest Africa, Southern and Central Europe, Western Asia
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Appearance of Old lady
The wingspan is 6 - 7 cm. Forewing dull fuscous blackish, the median area usually darker; the paler ground colour being really ochreous grey, thickly dusted with fuscous. The larva are pale ochreous, clouded with darker.
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How to Identify Old lady?

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Life Cycle of Old lady
Egg At this initial stage, the old lady is a tiny egg, often laid in clusters. The color and size are dependent on the species, with some camouflaged and others conspicuous.
Larva After hatching, the old lady enters the larval stage, typically a caterpillar, which is elongated with a focus on feeding. Growth involves molting and subtle color changes.
Pupal The larva of old lady transforms into a pupa, a transitional stage. Encased within a chrysalis or cocoon, the old lady undergoes extensive internal reorganization.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult old lady's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, with the adult focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Old lady
6 - 7 cm
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Predators of Old lady Larvae
Birds, rodents, other insects
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Predators of Adult Old lady
Bats, owls, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Old lady
At night, old lady can fly up to 30 kilometers in search of suitable feeding grounds, showcasing a remarkable stamina underneath those delicate wings.
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Scientific Classification of Old lady
Tips for Finding Old lady
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Youth Habitat of Old lady
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Old lady
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Old lady
Sugary baits or fermenting fruit can be used as trap food to attract adult old lady, as many moth species are attracted to sweet substances.
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Habitat Preferences of Old lady Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of old lady are commonly laid on the underside of leaves of the host plants. After hatching, the caterpillars can be found on a variety of herbaceous plants, where they feed and grow. They often conceal themselves among foliage during the day and become more active at night. Pupae typically reside in the soil or leaf litter, making them less visible. To locate these stages, one would search through vegetation for eggs and caterpillars, and sift through soil and debris for pupae. Adults, being nocturnal, are found near light sources at night and rest in sheltered areas such as tree bark crevices during the day.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Old lady
The most suitable time to find adult old lady is during the night since old lady is a nocturnal moth. For larval stages, daytime searches might be more productive.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Old lady
Mild, humid nights are ideal weather conditions to find adult old lady, as most moths are active in such conditions. Avoid windy nights or heavy rain.
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How and Where Can You Find Old lady at Different Life Stages
Egg Old lady eggs are usually laid on the host plants. To find them, closely inspect the leaves, looking for small clusters or rows of eggs, which can be pea-sized or smaller depending on the species.
Larva Old lady larvae (caterpillars) can be found on or near their food plants. Search by carefully observing the leaves and stems for signs of feeding, such as chewed edges or frass (caterpillar droppings).
Pupal Old lady pupae might be in the soil, under leaf litter, or on the host plant. Finding them involves gently disrupting the topsoil or leaf litter, or carefully examining branches and stems of the host plant without causing harm.
Adult To locate adult old lady, set up light traps with UV or white light, as old lady are attracted to light. Alternatively, place trap food at strategic points and wait for old lady to arrive. Spotting old lady involves quietly observing the trap without rapid movements that could scare them away.
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