Angle-striped Sallow
Enargia paleacea
This record describes Enargia paleacea (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40 to 60 mm. Quite distinctive, even though the forewings vary in colour and in strength of markings. The forewing is broad with a slightly hooked tip and usually yellow to orange-yellow. There is also a fine, roughly centrally elbowed inner central cross line and curved outer cross line. The resident population flies in July and August, the migrants slightly earlier. The larvae feed on Silver Birch and Downy Birch. With two main areas of scattered distribution, in central England and central Scotland, this species also occurs in southern England as an immigrant. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Enargia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits heaths and open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The resident population flies in July and August, the migrants slightly earlier.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Silver Birch and Downy Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
With two main areas of scattered distribution, in central England and central Scotland, this species also occurs in southern England as an immigrant. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Enargia paleacea. 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-striped Sallow (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Angle-striped Sallow
What is Angle-striped Sallow?
Angle-striped Sallow (Enargia paleacea) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Angle-striped Sallow found?
Habitat: It inhabits heaths and open woodland.
When is Angle-striped Sallow active?
Angle-striped Sallow: seasonal activity - The resident population flies in July and August, the migrants slightly earlier..
What is the life cycle of a Angle-striped Sallow?
The larvae feed on Silver Birch and Downy Birch.