Flame Shoulder
Ochropleura plecta
This record describes Ochropleura plecta (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-30 mm. Resembles no other British species. The English name refers to a bright straw coloured band running along the leading edge of the forewing, which is further emphasised by the black streak behind it. Woodland fringes, gardens and meadowland. There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September. The nocturnal caterpillars live on low plants such as Dock and Plantain. Quite a common species throughout 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
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Ochropleura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland fringes, gardens and meadowland.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The nocturnal caterpillars live on low plants such as Dock and Plantain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite a common species throughout 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 Ochropleura plecta. 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 Flame Shoulder (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flame Shoulder
What is Flame Shoulder?
Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Flame Shoulder found?
Habitat: Woodland fringes, gardens and meadowland.
When is Flame Shoulder active?
Flame Shoulder: seasonal activity - There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Flame Shoulder?
The nocturnal caterpillars live on low plants such as Dock and Plantain.