Dusky-lemon Sallow
Cirrhia gilvago
This record describes Cirrhia gilvago (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-38 mm. The forewing in a very pale orangey yellow with various markings of pale brown and pinks. Broadleaved woodland, hedges, parks and gardens. It flies from late August to October, and is attracted to sugar as well as light. The larvae feed on the seeds, flowers and, later, the foliage of Wych Elm and English Elm from April to June. This moth has a scattered distribution throughout much of England and Wales and into Southern Scotland. 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
- Cirrhia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Broadleaved woodland, hedges, parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies from late August to October, and is attracted to sugar as well as light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds, flowers and, later, the foliage of Wych Elm and English Elm from April to June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth has a scattered distribution throughout much of England and Wales and into Southern Scotland. 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 Cirrhia gilvago. 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-lemon Sallow (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dusky-lemon Sallow
What is Dusky-lemon Sallow?
Dusky-lemon Sallow (Cirrhia gilvago) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dusky-lemon Sallow found?
Habitat: Broadleaved woodland, hedges, parks and gardens.
When is Dusky-lemon Sallow active?
Dusky-lemon Sallow: seasonal activity - It flies from late August to October, and is attracted to sugar as well as light..
What is the life cycle of a Dusky-lemon Sallow?
The larvae feed on the seeds, flowers and, later, the foliage of Wych Elm and English Elm from April to June.