Buff Arches
Habrosyne pyritoides
This record describes Habrosyne pyritoides (species). Recorded family: Drepanidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 40 mm. The combination of smooth grey, white and russet-brown makes this delicately-marked moth one of the prettiest, especially when observed at close range. Open woodland, young plantations, hedgerows and gardens. Flying in July and August, it can be attracted to 'sugar', as well as to light. The larvae, which are reddish brown with two or four creamy spots, feed on Bramble (Rubus). It is fairly common in wooded areas in the southern half of Britain but absent from Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Habrosyne pyritoides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habrosyne pyritoides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Drepanoidea
- Family
- Drepanidae (Hooktip and False Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Thyatirinae
- Tribe
- Habrosynini
- Genus
- Habrosyne
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open woodland, young plantations, hedgerows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in July and August, it can be attracted to 'sugar', as well as to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae, which are reddish brown with two or four creamy spots, feed on Bramble (Rubus).
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common in wooded areas in the southern half of Britain but absent from Scotland. 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 Habrosyne pyritoides. 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 Buff Arches (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buff Arches
What is Buff Arches?
Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides) is a species in the family Drepanidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Buff Arches found?
Habitat: Open woodland, young plantations, hedgerows and gardens.
When is Buff Arches active?
Buff Arches: seasonal activity - Flying in July and August, it can be attracted to 'sugar', as well as to light..
What is the life cycle of a Buff Arches?
The larvae, which are reddish brown with two or four creamy spots, feed on Bramble (Rubus).