Dark Arches
Apamea monoglypha
This record describes Apamea monoglypha (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-55 mm. There are frequent melanic specimens, especially in the north. Occurring in a variety of habitats, especially more grassy areas. It is on the wing from July to August, with a later second brood in the south. It is readily attracted to light and one of the commoner species in the moth trap in late summer. The larvae feed on the bases and stems of various grasses. A common species throughout the British Isles. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Apamea monoglypha: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apamea monoglypha.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Cutworm Moths and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Apamea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring in a variety of habitats, especially more grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
It is on the wing from July to August, with a later second brood in the south. It is readily attracted to light and one of the commoner species in the moth trap in late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the bases and stems of various grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout 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 monoglypha. 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 Dark Arches (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Arches
What is Dark Arches?
Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dark Arches found?
Habitat: Occurring in a variety of habitats, especially more grassy areas.
When is Dark Arches active?
Dark Arches: seasonal activity - It is on the wing from July to August, with a later second brood in the south. It is readily attracted to light and one of the commoner species in the moth trap in late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Dark Arches?
The larvae feed on the bases and stems of various grasses.