Large Ranunculus
Polymixis flavicincta
This record describes Polymixis flavicincta (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40 to 50 mm. A variable species, with the brightest individuals occurring in the south-east. It is to be found in suburban habitats, waste ground and coastal cliffs. It flies in September and October, when it visits light. A range of herbaceous plants are used by the larvae, including Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber). It can be a pest on garden plants. Distributed mainly in southern England, it occurs in scattered locations northwards to parts of northern England, but with an eastern bias. 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
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Polymixis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is to be found in suburban habitats, waste ground and coastal cliffs.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in September and October, when it visits light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A range of herbaceous plants are used by the larvae, including Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber). It can be a pest on garden plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed mainly in southern England, it occurs in scattered locations northwards to parts of northern England, but with an eastern bias. 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 Polymixis flavicincta. 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 Large Ranunculus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Ranunculus
What is Large Ranunculus?
Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Large Ranunculus found?
Habitat: It is to be found in suburban habitats, waste ground and coastal cliffs.
When is Large Ranunculus active?
Large Ranunculus: seasonal activity - It flies in September and October, when it visits light..
What is the life cycle of a Large Ranunculus?
A range of herbaceous plants are used by the larvae, including Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber). It can be a pest on garden plants.