Minor Shoulder-knot
Brachylomia viminalis
This record describes Brachylomia viminalis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 29-34 mm. There is a range of colour forms, with the paler individuals generally occurring further south. This species prefers damp woodland, heaths and fens. Flying in July and August, the moths are readily attracted to light. The larvae feed in spring on Willow, spinning together the leaves of terminal shoots. Widespread and reasonably common 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 common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Brachylomia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species prefers damp woodland, heaths and fens.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in July and August, the moths are readily attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in spring on Willow, spinning together the leaves of terminal shoots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and reasonably common 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 common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Brachylomia viminalis. 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 Minor Shoulder-knot (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Minor Shoulder-knot
What is Minor Shoulder-knot?
Minor Shoulder-knot (Brachylomia viminalis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Minor Shoulder-knot found?
Habitat: This species prefers damp woodland, heaths and fens.
When is Minor Shoulder-knot active?
Minor Shoulder-knot: seasonal activity - Flying in July and August, the moths are readily attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Minor Shoulder-knot?
The larvae feed in spring on Willow, spinning together the leaves of terminal shoots.