Insects Active at night

Dog's Tooth

Lacanobia suasa

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A master of nocturnal disguise, the Dog's Tooth moth is named for the sharp 'W' shape on its wings. This common Palearctic visitor is a favorite for backyard naturalists using light-based observation.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 32-44 mm (1.25-1.75 inches); body length approximately 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches).

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Colors

Primary colors include mottled shades of brown, grey, and reddish-tan. The wings feature a prominent pale subterminal line and distinct kidney-shaped markings.

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Key Features

Distinctive white 'W' mark (the 'dog's tooth') on the subterminal wing line
Mottled brown forewings with visible oval and kidney-shaped spots
Resting posture with wings folded flat over the abdomen
Double-brooded appearance in early and late summer

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 10 PM - 3 AM

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Season May-June and August-September

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Diet Adults feed on the nectar of various night-blooming flowers such as honeysuckle and Buddleia. Larvae are generalists, eating docks, goosefoots, willows, and salt-marsh plants.

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Habitat Highly versatile; found in suburban gardens, wetlands, salt marshes, coastal dunes, and agricultural field margins.

Behavior

The Dog's Tooth is a nocturnal strategist, spending its daylight hours perfectly still and camouflaged against tree bark, fence posts, or leaf litter. Its intricate wing patterns allow it to blend into textured surfaces, making it nearly invisible to birds and other predators. As dusk falls, the moth becomes active, taking flight to feed on nectar and seek out mates.

In the garden environment, this species is known for its strong attraction to artificial light sources. It is a common visitor to porch lights and windows, often seen fluttering erratically before settling. Unlike some more skittish species, once the Dog's Tooth finds a resting spot near a light, it often remains stationary for long periods, allowing for excellent observation and photography. During the caterpillar stage, they are solitary feeders, emerging at night to munch on various low-growing vegetation.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Dog's Tooth on a wildlife camera requires a specialized approach since most standard trail cameras are designed for larger mammals. The most effective method is to use a camera with macro capabilities or a dedicated 'moth trap' setup. Position your camera facing a white sheet that is illuminated by a UV or mercury vapor lamp. The Dog's Tooth is highly phototropic and will land on the sheet, providing a stable, high-contrast background for your photos.

If you prefer a more natural look, use 'sugaring' to lure them. Mix dark brown sugar, a splash of beer, and overripe bananas into a thick paste and paint it onto a tree trunk at eye level. Set your camera on a tripod just a few feet away. Because these moths are small, you will need to ensure your camera's focus is locked to the specific patch of bait. Use a fast shutter speed or a diffused flash to freeze their wing movement, as they often vibrate their wings while feeding to maintain body temperature.

Timing is critical for this species. They are double-brooded, meaning they have two flight windows: one in late spring and another in late summer. Aim for warm, humid nights with heavy cloud cover, as these conditions are when the Dog's Tooth is most active. Avoid windy nights, as the moths will stay low in the vegetation to avoid being blown off course. For the best AI detection, ensure the camera is positioned to capture the dorsal (top) view of the wings where the 'dog's tooth' mark is most visible.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Dog's Tooth.

Nutmeg

The Nutmeg is generally smaller and lacks the distinct, sharp 'W' marking on the wing edge found on the Dog's Tooth.

Bright-line Brown-eye

This species has a more prominent white subterminal line and a distinctive yellow/orange 'eye' spot in the kidney mark.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dog's Tooth moths are strictly nocturnal. They typically emerge shortly after sunset and remain active until the early pre-dawn hours, with peak activity occurring between 10 PM and 2 AM.

You can attract them by planting nectar-rich flowers like honeysuckle or by using artificial lures. They are strongly attracted to UV lights and 'sugar' baits made from fermented fruit and sugar painted onto tree trunks.

Adults drink nectar from night-blooming flowers. The caterpillars are less picky and feed on a wide range of plants, including willow, dock, plantain, and various salt-marsh vegetation.

Yes, they are very common in suburban environments. Because they are generalist feeders and highly adaptable, they thrive in gardens, parks, and allotments across Europe and Asia.

Look for the white 'W' shape (the 'tooth') on the subterminal line of the forewing. It is usually more distinct in this species than in the similar Nutmeg moth, and the Dog's Tooth tends to have a more mottled, 'busier' wing pattern.

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