Blossom Underwing
Orthosia miniosa
This record describes Orthosia miniosa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 31 to 36 mm. A rather variable species, usually with warm sandy or pinkish browns. The underwing is the distinctive feature, being pinkish white and showing up well in the light of a moth trap. This distinguishes it from the rest of the group. Visit Willow blossom as well as bright lights. Like many related species, the moths fly during March and April. The caterpillars are quite attractive, being greyish marked with yellow/orange and black. When young they feed gregariously on oak (Quercus) in a silken web, but later separate. They may also then feed on low plants. One of the less common spring Orthosia species, which occurs locally in southern England and Wales, more infrequently in north-west England and Ireland. 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
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Orthosia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Visit Willow blossom as well as bright lights.
Seasonal Activity
Like many related species, the moths fly during March and April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars are quite attractive, being greyish marked with yellow/orange and black. When young they feed gregariously on oak (Quercus) in a silken web, but later separate. They may also then feed on low plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
One of the less common spring Orthosia species, which occurs locally in southern England and Wales, more infrequently in north-west England and Ireland. 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 Orthosia miniosa. 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 Blossom Underwing (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blossom Underwing
What is Blossom Underwing?
Blossom Underwing (Orthosia miniosa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Blossom Underwing found?
Habitat: Visit Willow blossom as well as bright lights.
When is Blossom Underwing active?
Blossom Underwing: seasonal activity - Like many related species, the moths fly during March and April..
What is the life cycle of a Blossom Underwing?
The caterpillars are quite attractive, being greyish marked with yellow/orange and black. When young they feed gregariously on oak (Quercus) in a silken web, but later separate. They may also then feed on low plants.