Clouded-bordered Brindle
Apamea crenata
This record describes Apamea crenata (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 36-44 mm. There is a frequent brownish or melanic variant, ab. combusta , in addition to the well-marked typical form. The single generation flies in June and July, sometimes earlier, and is frequent at light. The caterpillars feed on various grasses. Commonly occurring throughout most of the British Isles. 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
- Apamea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying a variety of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies in June and July, sometimes earlier, and is frequent at light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on various grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Commonly occurring throughout most of the British Isles. 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 Apamea crenata. 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 Clouded-bordered Brindle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clouded-bordered Brindle
What is Clouded-bordered Brindle?
Clouded-bordered Brindle (Apamea crenata) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Clouded-bordered Brindle found?
Habitat: Occupying a variety of habitats.
When is Clouded-bordered Brindle active?
Clouded-bordered Brindle: seasonal activity - The single generation flies in June and July, sometimes earlier, and is frequent at light..
What is the life cycle of a Clouded-bordered Brindle?
The caterpillars feed on various grasses.