Beaded Chestnut
Agrochola lychnidis
This record describes Agrochola lychnidis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species is quite variable and there are a number of named forms. Lunar Underwing is often similar, but Beaded Chestnut has narrower shaped orbicular stigma and usually 3 dark spots on the front of the thorax. Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, heathland and gardens. The larvae feed on low plants when small, later consuming the leaves of various trees and shrubs. It occurs most commonly in the southern half of England and Wales, becoming scarcer further north. It is rare in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Agrochola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, heathland and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in September and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on low plants when small, later consuming the leaves of various trees and shrubs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs most commonly in the southern half of England and Wales, becoming scarcer further north. It is rare in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Agrochola lychnidis. 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 Beaded Chestnut (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Beaded Chestnut
What is Beaded Chestnut?
Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Beaded Chestnut found?
Habitat: Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, heathland and gardens.
When is Beaded Chestnut active?
Beaded Chestnut: seasonal activity - Flying in September and October..
What is the life cycle of a Beaded Chestnut?
The larvae feed on low plants when small, later consuming the leaves of various trees and shrubs.