Pale Mottled Willow
Caradrina clavipalpis
This record describes Caradrina clavipalpis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26-35 mm. This moth shows a distinct mottling to the forewing, with several dark dots along the leading edge, and very white hind wings. It flies mainly between July and September, but can be found earlier or later in the year. The caterpillars live on the grain of various cereal crops, including those that have been harvested. A fairly common species over much 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
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Caradrinini
- Genus
- Caradrina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, farmland and gardens
Seasonal Activity
It flies mainly between July and September, but can be found earlier or later in the year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars live on the grain of various cereal crops, including those that have been harvested.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common species over much 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 Caradrina clavipalpis. 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 Pale Mottled Willow (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Mottled Willow
What is Pale Mottled Willow?
Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pale Mottled Willow found?
Habitat: Grassland, farmland and gardens
When is Pale Mottled Willow active?
Pale Mottled Willow: seasonal activity - It flies mainly between July and September, but can be found earlier or later in the year..
What is the life cycle of a Pale Mottled Willow?
The caterpillars live on the grain of various cereal crops, including those that have been harvested.