Glaucous Shears
Papestra biren
This record describes Papestra biren (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A moorland moth. The moths quite often rest in the open on fenceposts, tree trunks and rocks. The adults fly during May and June, and can be attracted by light. A wide range of moorland plants are used as food, including Heather (Calluna) and Bog-myrtle as well as Willows (Salix sp.). Occurring sparsely throughout western and northern Britain, commoner in the north. 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Hadenini
- Genus
- Papestra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A moorland moth. The moths quite often rest in the open on fenceposts, tree trunks and rocks.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly during May and June, and can be attracted by light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A wide range of moorland plants are used as food, including Heather (Calluna) and Bog-myrtle as well as Willows (Salix sp.).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring sparsely throughout western and northern Britain, commoner in the north. 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 Papestra biren. 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 Glaucous Shears (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucous Shears
What is Glaucous Shears?
Glaucous Shears (Papestra biren) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Glaucous Shears found?
Habitat: A moorland moth. The moths quite often rest in the open on fenceposts, tree trunks and rocks.
When is Glaucous Shears active?
Glaucous Shears: seasonal activity - The adults fly during May and June, and can be attracted by light..
What is the life cycle of a Glaucous Shears?
A wide range of moorland plants are used as food, including Heather (Calluna) and Bog-myrtle as well as Willows (Salix sp.).