Variegated Cutworm Moth
Peridroma saucia
This record describes Peridroma saucia (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Peridroma saucia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peridroma saucia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Cutworm Moths and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Peridroma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A migrant species in Britain.
Seasonal Activity
Although most frequent in September and October, has appeared in all months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are not usually found in Britain, but are believed to feed on a number of herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Varying in numbers, but usually coinciding with arrivals of other European migrants. It can occur almost anywhere in Britain, but is generally more common in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Peridroma saucia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Variegated Cutworm Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Variegated Cutworm Moth
How big is Variegated Cutworm Moth?
45mm to 56mm (1.77" to 2.20")
Where is Variegated Cutworm Moth found?
Habitat: A migrant species in Britain.
When is Variegated Cutworm Moth active?
Variegated Cutworm Moth: seasonal activity - Although most frequent in September and October, has appeared in all months..
What is the life cycle of a Variegated Cutworm Moth?
The larvae are not usually found in Britain, but are believed to feed on a number of herbaceous plants.