Sprite Moth

Sprite moths are a species of moth inhabiting Jupiter, named after their spritely appearance. One of the smallest and most abundant moths on the planet, they frequent Jupiter's Edge and its cloudy atmosphere.

Nomads of Jupiter's Edge use sprite moth juice to make sprite tea, one of the most popular hot beverages on the planet. The juice can be harvested by lightly squeezing the abdomen, but the practice is risky due to how small the moths are.

Taxonomy

Sprite moths are in the genus Macroglossum, containing various small hawkmoth species. They are one of the smaller species within the genus, and one of the smallest known hawkmoth species.

Anatomy

Eggy Placeholder by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Sprite moths have a wingspan of just two centimetres. They have bright gold forewings with dark brown swirls. The hindwings are a darker brown with golden swirls.

The abdomen is wide, flat, and long, with tiny crystalline structures running along the back of the moth from the proboscis to the tip of the abdomen.

There is little sexual dimorphism between males and females, but females can be recognised thanks to a slightly longer proboscis. It is believed females entice males by wiggling the proboscis in the air.

These moths refract light using their crystals. As the moth flies, sunlight catches on the crystals, light fracturing and creating small rainbow streams.

Larva

Sprite moth larva are incredibly small, less than a millimetre upon hatching, growing to around four centimetres in length. The larva are a golden colour, with two large horns to deter predators. Larva will rear up on their back four legs, flattening their bodies to intimidate predators, similar to a cobra.

Habitat

Sprite moths are a common species around Jupiter's Edge. They are attracted to sunlight, which fill the cloud forests on the floating islands around the planet's edge. These moths feed on various flowering plants, particularly the red cheyenne, a small red flower abundant around the Sun-Scattered Mountains.

These moths gather in their thousands, congregating in what is known as an eclipse. A single eclipse of moths can fill the skies, their rainbow trails temporarily blinding those who stare for too long. They flutter among each other, chasing each other's abdomens and flying into one another, releasing tiny golden dust clouds.

Scientific Name

Macroglossum fae

Lifespan

5 - 6 months

Average Length

3 cm
Average Wingspan
2 cm

Geographic Distribution

• Jupiter
• Jupiter's Edge
• Sun-Scattered Mountains
• Volel's Spine

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