The Delicate
Mythimna vitellina
This record describes Mythimna vitellina (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 36 to 43 mm. The adults vary in colour from very pale yellow to almost orange. Usually seen between August and October, but also sometimes earlier in the season. It is considered that some of the earlier migrants during the year may breed in Britain, giving rise to autumn adults, but the larval stage is not well known due to its nocturnal and retiring nature. A migrant species, appearing most commonly on the south and south-west coasts of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Mythimna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Usually seen between August and October, but also sometimes earlier in the season.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is considered that some of the earlier migrants during the year may breed in Britain, giving rise to autumn adults, but the larval stage is not well known due to its nocturnal and retiring nature.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A migrant species, appearing most commonly on the south and south-west coasts of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Mythimna vitellina. 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 The Delicate (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Delicate
What is The Delicate?
The Delicate (Mythimna vitellina) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Delicate found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is The Delicate active?
The Delicate: seasonal activity - Usually seen between August and October, but also sometimes earlier in the season..
What is the life cycle of a The Delicate?
It is considered that some of the earlier migrants during the year may breed in Britain, giving rise to autumn adults, but the larval stage is not well known due to its nocturnal and retiring nature.