The Four-spotted
Tyta luctuosa
This record describes Tyta luctuosa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22 to 25 mm. Large white spots one extending two-thirds of the way along the leading edge of the brownish black forewing, and white band on the hindwing are diagnostic of this rather distinctive moth. It can be found in dry, sandy or chalky terrain and wasteland. It is on the wing between May and August, and flies from dusk into the night. The larvae feed on field Bindweed and prefer the buds of flowers. This scarce and vulnerable species was once widely distributed in the south, but is now restricted to a few small populations in Dorset, the Brecks and elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Stiriinae
- Tribe
- Stiriini
- Genus
- Tyta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found in dry, sandy or chalky terrain and wasteland.
Seasonal Activity
It is on the wing between May and August, and flies from dusk into the night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on field Bindweed and prefer the buds of flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This scarce and vulnerable species was once widely distributed in the south, but is now restricted to a few small populations in Dorset, the Brecks and elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Tyta luctuosa. 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 Four-spotted (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Four-spotted
What is The Four-spotted?
The Four-spotted (Tyta luctuosa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Four-spotted found?
Habitat: It can be found in dry, sandy or chalky terrain and wasteland.
When is The Four-spotted active?
The Four-spotted: seasonal activity - It is on the wing between May and August, and flies from dusk into the night..
What is the life cycle of a The Four-spotted?
The larvae feed on field Bindweed and prefer the buds of flowers.