LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961

Anathix ralla

This record describes Anathix ralla (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - Anathix ralla
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich

Adult : Orange FW has slightly scalloped, double AM and PM lines. Angled brown median band is often conspicuous. ST and terminal lines are rows of black dots. Orbicular and re-niform spots have diffuse blackish dots in inner halves.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Noctuinae
Tribe
Xylenini
Genus
Anathix

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larva feed on trembling aspen

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Anathix ralla. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 (5)

Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - photo 1
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich
Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - photo 2
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich
Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - photo 3
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich
Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - photo 4
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich
Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 - photo 5
Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich

Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich

Frequently Asked Questions About Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961

What is Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961?

Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 (Anathix ralla) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961?

TL ≈ 17-21

How do you identify Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961?

Adult : Orange FW has slightly scalloped, double AM and PM lines. Angled brown median band is often conspicuous. ST and terminal lines are rows of black dots. Orbicular and re-niform spots have diffuse blackish dots in inner halves.

What does Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 eat?

The diet of the Dotted Sallow Moth - Hodges#9961 includes Larva feed on trembling aspen.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.