Mouse Moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis
This record describes Amphipyra tragopoginis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 33-38 mm. A very plain-looking moth, with three dark dots on the forewing, the ground colour is dark brown with a distinct glossy sheen. Gardens, woodland, sand-dunes, moorland and fens. The adults are on the wing from July to September and frequently visit sugar as well as light. If disturbed, they will scuttle away mouse-like rather than take flight. The caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, including the flowers, as well as trees such as Willow. The species is commonly distributed over most of the British Isles. 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Amphipyrinae
- Tribe
- Amphipyrini
- Genus
- Amphipyra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens, woodland, sand-dunes, moorland and fens.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are on the wing from July to September and frequently visit sugar as well as light. If disturbed, they will scuttle away mouse-like rather than take flight.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, including the flowers, as well as trees such as Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is commonly distributed over most of the British Isles. 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 Amphipyra tragopoginis. 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 Mouse Moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouse Moth
What is Mouse Moth?
Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Mouse Moth found?
Habitat: Gardens, woodland, sand-dunes, moorland and fens.
When is Mouse Moth active?
Mouse Moth: seasonal activity - The adults are on the wing from July to September and frequently visit sugar as well as light. If disturbed, they will scuttle away mouse-like rather than take flight..
What is the life cycle of a Mouse Moth?
The caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, including the flowers, as well as trees such as Willow.