Kent Black Arches
Meganola albula
This record describes Meganola albula (species). Recorded family: Nolidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fairly distinctive species, but records must be supported by images due to the scarcity of this species in our area. Occupying open woodland and coastal habitats. The species flies at night from June to August, and can be attracted to light. The small, hairy larvae feed on Dewberry (Rubus caesius), and overwinter in this state. A species which is mainly restricted to the southern and eastern counties of England, and parts of Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Meganola albula: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meganola albula.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Nolidae (Tufted Moths)
- Subfamily
- Nolinae
- Tribe
- Nolini
- Genus
- Meganola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying open woodland and coastal habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The species flies at night from June to August, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The small, hairy larvae feed on Dewberry (Rubus caesius), and overwinter in this state.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A species which is mainly restricted to the southern and eastern counties of England, and parts of Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Meganola albula. 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 Kent Black Arches (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kent Black Arches
What is Kent Black Arches?
Kent Black Arches (Meganola albula) is a species in the family Nolidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Kent Black Arches found?
Habitat: Occupying open woodland and coastal habitats.
When is Kent Black Arches active?
Kent Black Arches: seasonal activity - The species flies at night from June to August, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Kent Black Arches?
The small, hairy larvae feed on Dewberry (Rubus caesius), and overwinter in this state.