Black Arches
Lymantria monacha
This record describes Lymantria monacha (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30 to 50 mm. This attractive black and white species often shows traces of bright pink on the body, especially the abdomen, which however is normally concealed when at rest. The males, which can be attracted to light, are smaller than the females, but have very large, feathery antennae. The larvae feed in the spring, usually on Oak but sometimes on coniferous trees. Distributed throughout the southern half of Britain, but never common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Lymantria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Chiefly in woodland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in the spring, usually on Oak but sometimes on coniferous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed throughout the southern half of Britain, but never common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Lymantria monacha. 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 Black Arches (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Arches
What is Black Arches?
Black Arches (Lymantria monacha) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Black Arches found?
Habitat: Chiefly in woodland habitats.
When is Black Arches active?
Black Arches: seasonal activity - Adults fly in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Black Arches?
The larvae feed in the spring, usually on Oak but sometimes on coniferous trees.