Golden Plusia
Polychrysia moneta
This record describes Polychrysia moneta (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32 to 37 mm. Fine pattern on broad, golden yellow forewing, large kidney mark outlined in silver white and large fan like scale tufts on the thorax are diagnostic. Generally a garden species, especially where Delphinium are grown. It is on the wing from June into August, and can be attracted to light. The larvae feed on varieties of Delphinium. One of the classic 'invasion' species, this moth was unknown in Britain before 1890, when it was discovered in south-east England. Since then, it has spread rapidly north-westwards, even into Scotland, although there are signs that it is decreasing its range again over the last few decades. 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
- Polychrysia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally a garden species, especially where Delphinium are grown.
Seasonal Activity
It is on the wing from June into August, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on varieties of Delphinium.
Additional species information
Recorded status
One of the classic 'invasion' species, this moth was unknown in Britain before 1890, when it was discovered in south-east England. Since then, it has spread rapidly north-westwards, even into Scotland, although there are signs that it is decreasing its range again over the last few decades. 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 Polychrysia moneta. 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 Golden Plusia (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Plusia
What is Golden Plusia?
Golden Plusia (Polychrysia moneta) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Golden Plusia found?
Habitat: Generally a garden species, especially where Delphinium are grown.
When is Golden Plusia active?
Golden Plusia: seasonal activity - It is on the wing from June into August, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Golden Plusia?
The larvae feed on varieties of Delphinium.