Cream-bordered Green Pea
Earias clorana
This record describes Earias clorana (species). Recorded family: Nolidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. A small but distinctive green species, only likely to be confused with the micro Tortrix viridana, which however rests with a much 'flatter' aspect. Inhabits fens, marshes and damp woodland. Flying mainly in May and June, sometimes there is a second generation in August. The larvae feed on various willows including Osier. It is scattered locally throughout south-eastern England, with occasional records elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Earias clorana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earias clorana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Nolidae (Tufted Moths)
- Subfamily
- Chloephorinae
- Tribe
- Eariadini
- Genus
- Earias
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits fens, marshes and damp woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Flying mainly in May and June, sometimes there is a second generation in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various willows including Osier.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is scattered locally throughout south-eastern England, with occasional records elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Earias clorana. 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 Cream-bordered Green Pea (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream-bordered Green Pea
What is Cream-bordered Green Pea?
Cream-bordered Green Pea (Earias clorana) is a species in the family Nolidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cream-bordered Green Pea found?
Habitat: Inhabits fens, marshes and damp woodland.
When is Cream-bordered Green Pea active?
Cream-bordered Green Pea: seasonal activity - Flying mainly in May and June, sometimes there is a second generation in August..
What is the life cycle of a Cream-bordered Green Pea?
The larvae feed on various willows including Osier.