Beautiful Golden Y
Autographa pulchrina
This record describes Autographa pulchrina (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-40 mm. Similar to the plain Golden 'Y', but with richer maroon colouring in the wings. Similar to the plain Golden 'Y', but with richer colouring in the wings and a more obvious kidney-spot - usually outlined. The species inhabits gardens, waste ground, and woodland areas. This species is on the wing in June and July, slightly earlier than its close relative, the Plain Golden Y. The larvae, which feed on low plants, overwinter in this stage, and pupate in May or June. Fairly common and widespread over most of Britain. 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
- Autographa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The species inhabits gardens, waste ground, and woodland areas.
Seasonal Activity
This species is on the wing in June and July, slightly earlier than its close relative, the Plain Golden Y.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae, which feed on low plants, overwinter in this stage, and pupate in May or June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread over most of Britain. 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 Autographa pulchrina. 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 Beautiful Golden Y (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Golden Y
What is Beautiful Golden Y?
Beautiful Golden Y (Autographa pulchrina) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Beautiful Golden Y found?
Habitat: The species inhabits gardens, waste ground, and woodland areas.
When is Beautiful Golden Y active?
Beautiful Golden Y: seasonal activity - This species is on the wing in June and July, slightly earlier than its close relative, the Plain Golden Y..
What is the life cycle of a Beautiful Golden Y?
The larvae, which feed on low plants, overwinter in this stage, and pupate in May or June.