Broom Moth
Ceramica pisi
This record describes Ceramica pisi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-37 mm. A very variable species, with the ground colour varying between greyish brown to a dark chestnut colour, and the intensity of the markings varying too. Late May to Early August when it can be attracted to light. The distinctive brown and yellow striped caterpillar feeds not only on Broom (Cytisus scoparius), but also on Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and other trees and plants. It is quite common in 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
- Ceramica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting open woodland and heathland.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to Early August when it can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The distinctive brown and yellow striped caterpillar feeds not only on Broom (Cytisus scoparius), but also on Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and other trees and plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is quite common in 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 Ceramica pisi. 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 Broom Moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Broom Moth
What is Broom Moth?
Broom Moth (Ceramica pisi) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Broom Moth found?
Habitat: Inhabiting open woodland and heathland.
When is Broom Moth active?
Broom Moth: seasonal activity - Late May to Early August when it can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Broom Moth?
The distinctive brown and yellow striped caterpillar feeds not only on Broom (Cytisus scoparius), but also on Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and other trees and plants.