Least Black Arches
Nola confusalis
This record describes Nola confusalis (species). Recorded family: Nolidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16-18 mm. Narrow forewing usually whitish with fine black cross lines, the innermost of which is elbowed or 'V' shaped, and the outer middle one strongly curved in the leading half and often shaped like a question mark. Usually a narrow but distinct grey brown outer central cross band. Species frequents woodland, parks and gardens. It flies in May and June, and can be attracted to light. The larvae feed on Lime, Evergreen Oak and other trees and bushes. Locally distributed over a large part of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Nola confusalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nola confusalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Nolidae (Tufted Moths)
- Subfamily
- Nolinae
- Tribe
- Nolini
- Genus
- Nola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Species frequents woodland, parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Lime, Evergreen Oak and other trees and bushes.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally distributed over a large part of Britain. 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 Nola confusalis. 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 Least Black Arches (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Least Black Arches
What is Least Black Arches?
Least Black Arches (Nola confusalis) is a species in the family Nolidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Least Black Arches found?
Habitat: Species frequents woodland, parks and gardens.
When is Least Black Arches active?
Least Black Arches: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Least Black Arches?
The larvae feed on Lime, Evergreen Oak and other trees and bushes.