The Clay
Mythimna ferrago
This record describes Mythimna ferrago (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-40 mm. This moth often has a pinkish tinge to the forewings. The male has a distinctive black triangle or chevron on the underside of the abdomen. It occupies a range of habitats, though preferring more wooded areas The caterpillars feed chiefly on various grasses, but also on low plants such as Dandelion and Chickweed. Relatively common over most of Britain. 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
- Mythimna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies a range of habitats, though preferring more wooded areas
Seasonal Activity
Flies during July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed chiefly on various grasses, but also on low plants such as Dandelion and Chickweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common over most of Britain. 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 Mythimna ferrago. 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 Clay (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Clay
What is The Clay?
The Clay (Mythimna ferrago) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Clay found?
Habitat: It occupies a range of habitats, though preferring more wooded areas
When is The Clay active?
The Clay: seasonal activity - Flies during July and August..
What is the life cycle of a The Clay?
The caterpillars feed chiefly on various grasses, but also on low plants such as Dandelion and Chickweed.