Radford's Flame Shoulder
Ochropleura leucogaster
This record describes Ochropleura leucogaster (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 34-37 mm. Rather similar to the Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta ) but has longer forewings with smaller stigmata. However these features can be subjective and variable. The whiter hindwings, white dorsal hairs at top of abdomen and tegulae concolorous with patagium and costal band, contrasting with thorax colour, are key features. If you think you have recorded this species, please provide good quality photographs and retain the specimen until identification is confirmed. Photos should show a view of the broad costal margin running quite squarely into the ‘shoulder’ creating a strong contrast between the thorax colour and pale tegulae. Effort should be made to confirm and photograph the white hairs around the anterior part of the abdomen in dorsal view (wings open to view) and clean white hindwings. In Britain this species is recorded as a migrant usually in October, though the moth flies earlier on the continent. The larvae feed on low plants including trefoils ( Lotus spp.). Mainly recorded along the south coast of England as a migrant, with just a few records further inland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Ochropleura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
In Britain this species is recorded as a migrant usually in October, though the moth flies earlier on the continent.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on low plants including trefoils (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly recorded along the south coast of England as a migrant, with just a few records further inland.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ochropleura leucogaster. 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 Radford's Flame Shoulder (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Radford's Flame Shoulder
What is Radford's Flame Shoulder?
Radford's Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura leucogaster) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
When is Radford's Flame Shoulder active?
Radford's Flame Shoulder: seasonal activity - In Britain this species is recorded as a migrant usually in October, though the moth flies earlier on the continent..
What is the life cycle of a Radford's Flame Shoulder?
The larvae feed on low plants including trefoils (