Merveille du Jour
Griposia aprilina
This record describes Griposia aprilina (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-40 mm. One of our most beautiful moths, especially when freshly emerged. Pinned specimens in identification guides have often lost the attractive green colour, fading to a brownish yellow. This species frequents woodland and parks. It flies in September and October and comes to light in small numbers. The larvae feed on Oak at first on the buds and flowers, later on the leaves. Widespread, though thinly scattered over most of Britain. 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
- Griposia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species frequents woodland and parks.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in September and October and comes to light in small numbers.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Oak at first on the buds and flowers, later on the leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, though thinly scattered over most of Britain. 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 Griposia aprilina. 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 Merveille du Jour (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merveille du Jour
What is Merveille du Jour?
Merveille du Jour (Griposia aprilina) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Merveille du Jour?
guides have often lost the attractive green colour, fading to a brownish yellow.
Where is Merveille du Jour found?
Habitat: This species frequents woodland and parks.
When is Merveille du Jour active?
Merveille du Jour: seasonal activity - It flies in September and October and comes to light in small numbers..
What is the life cycle of a Merveille du Jour?
The larvae feed on Oak at first on the buds and flowers, later on the leaves.