Bordered Sallow
Pyrrhia umbra
This record describes Pyrrhia umbra (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27 to 35 mm. A well-marked and fairly distinctive species. Generally coastal, occurring on calcareous soils where found inland. The single generation flies in June and July and visits sugar as well as light. The larvae feed mainly on the flowers and seeds of Restharrow. This moth is widespread but local in southern England, extending northwards along the coasts to parts of Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Pyrrhia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally coastal, occurring on calcareous soils where found inland.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies in June and July and visits sugar as well as light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on the flowers and seeds of Restharrow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is widespread but local in southern England, extending northwards along the coasts to parts of Scotland. 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 Pyrrhia umbra. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bordered Sallow
What is Bordered Sallow?
Bordered Sallow (Pyrrhia umbra) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Bordered Sallow found?
Habitat: Generally coastal, occurring on calcareous soils where found inland.
When is Bordered Sallow active?
Bordered Sallow: seasonal activity - The single generation flies in June and July and visits sugar as well as light..
What is the life cycle of a Bordered Sallow?
The larvae feed mainly on the flowers and seeds of Restharrow.