Blair's Shoulder-knot
Lithophane leautieri
This record describes Lithophane leautieri (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Occupies habitats (especially suburban) where ornamental varieties of certain conifers abound. It flies from mid September to November. The larvae feed on Cypress, especially Lawson's Cypress and Leyland Cypress, consuming mainly the flowers. A recent colonist, being first discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1951, the species has spread rapidly northwards and is now found fairly commonly throughout much of England, with records from as far north as Cumbria. 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
- Lithophane
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupies habitats (especially suburban) where ornamental varieties of certain conifers abound.
Seasonal Activity
It flies from mid September to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Cypress, especially Lawson's Cypress and Leyland Cypress, consuming mainly the flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A recent colonist, being first discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1951, the species has spread rapidly northwards and is now found fairly commonly throughout much of England, with records from as far north as Cumbria. 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 Lithophane leautieri. 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 Blair's Shoulder-knot (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blair's Shoulder-knot
What is Blair's Shoulder-knot?
Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Blair's Shoulder-knot found?
Habitat: Occupies habitats (especially suburban) where ornamental varieties of certain conifers abound.
When is Blair's Shoulder-knot active?
Blair's Shoulder-knot: seasonal activity - It flies from mid September to November..
What is the life cycle of a Blair's Shoulder-knot?
The larvae feed on Cypress, especially Lawson's Cypress and Leyland Cypress, consuming mainly the flowers.