Angle Shades
Phlogophora meticulosa
This record describes Phlogophora meticulosa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-50 mm. A highly distinctive and unusual moth, which rests with the wings folded longitudinally, looking very much like a withered autumn leaf. Usually at least two generations in Britain. The species is also a common migrant and can occur in large numbers at coastal locations. This species is common both as a resident and a migrant in England, Wales and Ireland. In Scotland, the Inner Hebrides and Orkney the species is much more localised. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Phlogophora meticulosa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlogophora meticulosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Cutworm Moths and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Phlogophorini
- Genus
- Phlogophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be found almost anywhere.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Usually at least two generations in Britain. The species is also a common migrant and can occur in large numbers at coastal locations.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is common both as a resident and a migrant in England, Wales and Ireland. In Scotland, the Inner Hebrides and Orkney the species is much more localised. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phlogophora meticulosa. 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 Angle Shades (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Angle Shades
What is Angle Shades?
Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Angle Shades found?
Habitat: May be found almost anywhere.
When is Angle Shades active?
Angle Shades: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Angle Shades?
Usually at least two generations in Britain. The species is also a common migrant and can occur in large numbers at coastal locations.