Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1
Omphaloscelis lunosa
This record describes Omphaloscelis lunosa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apparently this well-known European species has recently been recorded in the eastern USA. See the Maryland Biodiverity Project website here . Now recognized within the North American fauna, ZooKeys, 788: 249.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Xylenini
- Genus
- Omphaloscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
western Europe eastern USA (MD, VA) observations confirmed by Hugh McGuinness So far, the NA range is thought to be quite restricted, to the vicinity of Reston, VA and Potomac, MD. (2018)
Seasonal Activity
This moth flies at night from August to October (in the British Isles) and is attracted to light and flowers.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larva feeds on all parts of various grasses, overwintering in this form.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Omphaloscelis lunosa. 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 Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Biagi; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz
Frequently Asked Questions About Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1
What is Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1?
Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 (Omphaloscelis lunosa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1?
wingspan, 32–38mm
Where is Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 found?
Range: western Europe eastern USA (MD, VA) observations confirmed by Hugh McGuinness So far, the NA range is thought to be quite restricted, to the vicinity of Reston, VA and Potomac, MD. (2018)
What does Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 eat?
The diet of the Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 includes The larva feeds on all parts of various grasses, overwintering in this form..
When is Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1 active?
Lunar Underwing - Hodges#9956.1: seasonal activity - This moth flies at night from August to October (in the British Isles) and is attracted to light and flowers..