Copper Underwing
Amphipyra pyramidea
This record describes Amphipyra pyramidea (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40-52 mm. There are a number of subtle ways to help distinguish this species from the similar Svensson's Copper Underwing ( A. berbera svenssoni ). The hindwing underside has a different pattern in the two species. Svensson's also has dark palps with pale tips, whereas the Copper Underwing's palps are pale throughout, but this character is variable and depends on wear. Svensson's Copper Underwing - Amphipyra berbera . Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks. The adults fly from August to October and visit both sugar and light. The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, mainly Oak. Distributed fairly commonly over the southern half 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
- Amphipyra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from August to October and visit both sugar and light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, mainly Oak.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed fairly commonly over the southern half 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 Amphipyra pyramidea. 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 Copper Underwing (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Underwing
What is Copper Underwing?
Copper Underwing (Amphipyra pyramidea) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Copper Underwing found?
Habitat: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks.
When is Copper Underwing active?
Copper Underwing: seasonal activity - The adults fly from August to October and visit both sugar and light..
What is the life cycle of a Copper Underwing?
The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, mainly Oak.