Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010
Lycophotia phyllophora
This record describes Lycophotia phyllophora (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: forewing light brownish-gray with darker brown shading in subterminal area and between reniform and orbicular spots; AM and PM lines dark, scalloped, sometimes indistinct; hindwing light gray with darker veins and pale fringe
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Lycophotia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
locally common in bogs and damp woods; adults are nocturnal and come to light
Geographic Range
Newfoundland to British Columbia and northern states, south in the eastern mountains to Georgia
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from June to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of alder ( Alnus ), arrowwood ( Viburnum ), birch ( Betula ), blueberry ( Vaccinium ), cherry ( Prunus ), Spiraea , willow ( Salix )
Life History
one generation per year
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Lycophotia phyllophora. 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 Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , marcie oconnor , Blocky , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010
What is Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010?
Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 (Lycophotia phyllophora) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010?
wingspan about 35 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
How do you identify Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010?
Adult: forewing light brownish-gray with darker brown shading in subterminal area and between reniform and orbicular spots; AM and PM lines dark, scalloped, sometimes indistinct; hindwing light gray with darker veins and pale fringe
Where is Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | locally common in bogs and damp woods; adults are nocturnal and come to light |
| Range | Newfoundland to British Columbia and northern states, south in the eastern mountains to Georgia |
What does Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 eat?
The diet of the Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 includes larvae feed on leaves of alder ( Alnus ), arrowwood ( Viburnum ), birch ( Betula ), blueberry ( Vaccinium ), cherry ( Prunus ), Spiraea , willow ( Salix ).
When is Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010 active?
Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010: seasonal activity - adults fly from June to August.
What is the life cycle of a Lycophotia Moth - Hodges#11010?
one generation per year