Centre-barred Sallow
Atethmia centrago
This record describes Atethmia centrago (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-36 mm. Striking in appearance and unlikely to be confused with anything else. The main habitats are woodland and hedgerows. The moths are on the wing during August and September. The caterpillars feed on Ash, burrowing into the buds when newly hatched, and subsequently feeding on the flowers and leaves. Fairly common in the southern half of England and Wales, becoming more local northwards into Scotland. Scarce 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
- Atethmia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The main habitats are woodland and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing during August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on Ash, burrowing into the buds when newly hatched, and subsequently feeding on the flowers and leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common in the southern half of England and Wales, becoming more local northwards into Scotland. Scarce 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 Atethmia centrago. 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 Centre-barred Sallow (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Centre-barred Sallow
What is Centre-barred Sallow?
Centre-barred Sallow (Atethmia centrago) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Centre-barred Sallow found?
Habitat: The main habitats are woodland and hedgerows.
When is Centre-barred Sallow active?
Centre-barred Sallow: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing during August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Centre-barred Sallow?
The caterpillars feed on Ash, burrowing into the buds when newly hatched, and subsequently feeding on the flowers and leaves.