Dingy Shears
Apterogenum ypsillon
This record describes Apterogenum ypsillon (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32 to 42 mm. A rather dull and nondescript species, as suggested by the English name. Various habitats, especially around Willow. The adult flight time is during June and July, and can be attracted by sugar as well as light. The caterpillars, like the adults are rather dull. They feed on Willow at night; during the day they descend to hide amongst loose bark at the bases of the trees. This moth is reasonably well distributed throughout England and Wales; it is scarcer in Scotland and rather rare in Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Apterogenum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially around Willow.
Seasonal Activity
The adult flight time is during June and July, and can be attracted by sugar as well as light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars, like the adults are rather dull. They feed on Willow at night; during the day they descend to hide amongst loose bark at the bases of the trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is reasonably well distributed throughout England and Wales; it is scarcer in Scotland and rather rare in Ireland. 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 Apterogenum ypsillon. 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 Dingy Shears (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dingy Shears
What is Dingy Shears?
Dingy Shears (Apterogenum ypsillon) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dingy Shears found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially around Willow.
When is Dingy Shears active?
Dingy Shears: seasonal activity - The adult flight time is during June and July, and can be attracted by sugar as well as light..
What is the life cycle of a Dingy Shears?
The caterpillars, like the adults are rather dull. They feed on Willow at night; during the day they descend to hide amongst loose bark at the bases of the trees.