Muslin Moth
Diaphora mendica
This record describes Diaphora mendica (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 38 mm. Showing distinct sexual dimorphism, the males of this moth are soft grey or grey brown, the females are white, both sparsely speckled with black. It occurs in woodland, downland and suburban habitats. The larvae feed on a variety of low plants, including Dock and Chickweed. Relatively common in most of Britain, though fewer records from the north. 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
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Diaphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occurs in woodland, downland and suburban habitats.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a variety of low plants, including Dock and Chickweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common in most of Britain, though fewer records from the north. 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 Diaphora mendica. 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 Muslin Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Muslin Moth
What is Muslin Moth?
Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Muslin Moth found?
Habitat: It occurs in woodland, downland and suburban habitats.
When is Muslin Moth active?
Muslin Moth: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Muslin Moth?
The larvae feed on a variety of low plants, including Dock and Chickweed.