Clouded Buff
Diacrisia sannio
This record describes Diacrisia sannio (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 50 mm. The males are larger and more brightly coloured than the females. Although this species is fairly distinctive it is quite rare at present in our area. We therefore ask you to submit photographs to support any record and, if possible, retain the specimen in case it is required. This species inhabits heathland and similar rough habitats. The moths fly in June and July. The males may be active during the day, but the females are more nocturnal. The larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and various herbaceous plants. Locally widespread throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Diacrisia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species inhabits heathland and similar rough habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in June and July. The males may be active during the day, but the females are more nocturnal.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and various herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally widespread throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Diacrisia sannio. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clouded Buff
What is Clouded Buff?
Clouded Buff (Diacrisia sannio) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Clouded Buff found?
Habitat: This species inhabits heathland and similar rough habitats.
When is Clouded Buff active?
Clouded Buff: seasonal activity - The moths fly in June and July. The males may be active during the day, but the females are more nocturnal..
What is the life cycle of a Clouded Buff?
The larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and various herbaceous plants.