Green-brindled Crescent
Allophyes oxyacanthae
This record describes Allophyes oxyacanthae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-45 mm. Although superficially a dull brown species, the typical form of this moth has patches of metallic green scales giving it an attractive sheen in the correct light. A melanic form, ab. capucina is quite common in suburban areas, and shows much less green. Broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens. An autumn species, flying from September to November. The caterpillars hatch in spring and feed on a variety of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Fairly common throughout much of 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
- Allophyes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
An autumn species, flying from September to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars hatch in spring and feed on a variety of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common throughout much of 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 Allophyes oxyacanthae. 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 Green-brindled Crescent (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green-brindled Crescent
What is Green-brindled Crescent?
Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Green-brindled Crescent found?
Habitat: Broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.
When is Green-brindled Crescent active?
Green-brindled Crescent: seasonal activity - An autumn species, flying from September to November..
What is the life cycle of a Green-brindled Crescent?
The caterpillars hatch in spring and feed on a variety of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.