Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa
This record describes Apamea remissa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 36-42 mm. Two main forms of this species occur regularly, though others have been described. The dull, poorly-marked form obscura is the commonest and resembles a number of other species, most notably 'The Confused'. The typical form is better marked and can resemble the 'Pale-shouldered Brocade'. It frequents woodland, dry pastures, marshes and a range of other habitats. The larvae feed on a number of different grasses, including Reed Canary-grass. A common species throughout much 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Apamea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents woodland, dry pastures, marshes and a range of other habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of different grasses, including Reed Canary-grass.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout much 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 Apamea remissa. 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 Dusky Brocade (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky Brocade
What is Dusky Brocade?
Dusky Brocade (Apamea remissa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dusky Brocade found?
Habitat: It frequents woodland, dry pastures, marshes and a range of other habitats.
When is Dusky Brocade active?
Dusky Brocade: seasonal activity - Flies in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Dusky Brocade?
The larvae feed on a number of different grasses, including Reed Canary-grass.