Ear Moth

Amphipoea oculea

This record describes Amphipoea oculea (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

There are possible (although unlikely in VC55) confusion species so gen det confirmation is required for this species. Gen det is required to identify this species, otherwise please record as Amphipoea oculea agg. Has one generation per year. The larvae feed at the base of various grasses and low plants, on the stems and roots. Occurring over much of Britain, this has a more widespread distribution than the other British 'Ear' moths. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Amphipoea

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

It tends to favour damp habitats.

Seasonal Activity

July to September.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Has one generation per year. The larvae feed at the base of various grasses and low plants, on the stems and roots.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Occurring over much of Britain, this has a more widespread distribution than the other British 'Ear' moths. 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 Amphipoea oculea. 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.

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