The Flame
Axylia putris
This record describes Axylia putris (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-32 mm. The adults rest with the wings wrapped around the body and closely resemble a broken piece of twig. It inhabits woodland fringes, hedgerows and suburban habitats. Flies mainly in June and July, sometimes with a partial second generation in the autumn. The caterpillars feed at night on various low-growing herbaceous plants, including Dock and Bedstraw. A common species over most of Britain, except in the far north where it is more local. 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
- Axylia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland fringes, hedgerows and suburban habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flies mainly in June and July, sometimes with a partial second generation in the autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed at night on various low-growing herbaceous plants, including Dock and Bedstraw.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species over most of Britain, except in the far north where it is more local. 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 Axylia putris. 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 The Flame (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Flame
What is The Flame?
The Flame (Axylia putris) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Flame found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland fringes, hedgerows and suburban habitats.
When is The Flame active?
The Flame: seasonal activity - Flies mainly in June and July, sometimes with a partial second generation in the autumn..
What is the life cycle of a The Flame?
The caterpillars feed at night on various low-growing herbaceous plants, including Dock and Bedstraw.