Marbled Green
Bryopsis muralis
This record describes Bryopsis muralis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27 to 34 mm. As the Common Name suggests, the species has a mottled green appearance which provides camouflage when at rest on lichen, however the patterning can be quite variable. This is a rare species in our area, and a photograph is required to support your record. Mainly recorded on the coasts of southern England and south Wales, occasionally reaching inland, usually on calcareous soils. The caterpillars feed on lichens on rocks and walls. A local species, occurring mainly on the coasts of southern England and south Wales, occasionally reaching inland, usually on calcareous soils. 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
- Bryopsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly recorded on the coasts of southern England and south Wales, occasionally reaching inland, usually on calcareous soils.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing during July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on lichens on rocks and walls.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species, occurring mainly on the coasts of southern England and south Wales, occasionally reaching inland, usually on calcareous soils. 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 Bryopsis muralis. 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 Marbled Green
What is Marbled Green?
Marbled Green (Bryopsis muralis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Marbled Green found?
Habitat: Mainly recorded on the coasts of southern England and south Wales, occasionally reaching inland, usually on calcareous soils.
When is Marbled Green active?
Marbled Green: seasonal activity - On the wing during July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Marbled Green?
The caterpillars feed on lichens on rocks and walls.