Brown-spot Pinion
Anchoscelis litura
This record describes Anchoscelis litura (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28-35 mm. A fairly distinctive species, with a normally chestnut ground colour and several blackish marks on the leading edge of the forewing. It frequents woodland, heathland and bushy suburban habitats. Flying in September and October, it can regularly be attracted to light and sugar. The spring-feeding larvae live on herbaceous plants when young, and later on the leaves of deciduous trees, such as Oak and Hawthorn. It is reasonably common over a large part of Britain, though not in Ireland. 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
- Anchoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents woodland, heathland and bushy suburban habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in September and October, it can regularly be attracted to light and sugar.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The spring-feeding larvae live on herbaceous plants when young, and later on the leaves of deciduous trees, such as Oak and Hawthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is reasonably common over a large part of Britain, though not in Ireland. 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 Anchoscelis litura. 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 Brown-spot Pinion (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown-spot Pinion
What is Brown-spot Pinion?
Brown-spot Pinion (Anchoscelis litura) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Brown-spot Pinion found?
Habitat: It frequents woodland, heathland and bushy suburban habitats.
When is Brown-spot Pinion active?
Brown-spot Pinion: seasonal activity - Flying in September and October, it can regularly be attracted to light and sugar..
What is the life cycle of a Brown-spot Pinion?
The spring-feeding larvae live on herbaceous plants when young, and later on the leaves of deciduous trees, such as Oak and Hawthorn.