Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Noctua janthe
This record describes Noctua janthe (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-40 mm. Although it is less variable than some of its close relatives, this moth does show some variation, with many individuals showing a purplish tinge. The thorax has a sharply defined pale buff frontal area, giving a very neat appearance. It frequents woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Flies from July to September, when it visits flowers as well as coming to light. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including White Dead-nettle, Broad-leaved Dock and Scentless Mayweed. Occurring throughout Britain, it is commoner in the south. 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
- Noctua
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents woodland, hedgerows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from July to September, when it visits flowers as well as coming to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including White Dead-nettle, Broad-leaved Dock and Scentless Mayweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring throughout Britain, it is commoner in the south. 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 Noctua janthe. 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 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
What is Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing?
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthe) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing found?
Habitat: It frequents woodland, hedgerows and gardens.
When is Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing active?
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing: seasonal activity - Flies from July to September, when it visits flowers as well as coming to light..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing?
Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including White Dead-nettle, Broad-leaved Dock and Scentless Mayweed.