The Campion
Sideridis rivularis
This record describes Sideridis rivularis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length 14-16 mm. Well marked and with a purplish hue in fresh specimens. The Campion closely resembles The Lychnis (H. bicruris), but tends to have the two forewing stigmata joined at the base. Fresh specimens usually also have a purplish suffusion. In areas where the larval foodplants are found. It mainly flies in May and June, but in the south there is a second brood in August and September. The caterpillars feed internally in the seed capsules of various campions (Silene) and catchfly (Lychnis). Distributed widely over much of Britain, and fairly common in places. 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
- Sideridis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas where the larval foodplants are found.
Seasonal Activity
It mainly flies in May and June, but in the south there is a second brood in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed internally in the seed capsules of various campions (Silene) and catchfly (Lychnis).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed widely over much of Britain, and fairly common in places. 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 Sideridis rivularis. 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 The Campion (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Campion
What is The Campion?
The Campion (Sideridis rivularis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is The Campion?
14-16 mm. Well marked and with a purplish hue in fresh specimens.
Where is The Campion found?
Habitat: In areas where the larval foodplants are found.
When is The Campion active?
The Campion: seasonal activity - It mainly flies in May and June, but in the south there is a second brood in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a The Campion?
The caterpillars feed internally in the seed capsules of various campions (Silene) and catchfly (Lychnis).