Pale Prominent
Pterostoma palpina
This record describes Pterostoma palpina (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-55 mm. A distinctive moth when at rest, though well camouflaged, it has long labial palps and tufts on the tail segment, creating an elongated appearance. It flies in May and June and, in the south, again in August. The larval food plants are Poplar and Willow. Occurring throughout much of Britain, it is most common in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Pterostoma palpina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterostoma palpina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Notodontidae (Prominent Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spataliinae
- Genus
- Pterostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, scrub and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June and, in the south, again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval food plants are Poplar and Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring throughout much of Britain, it is most common in the south. 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 Pterostoma palpina. 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 Prominent (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Prominent
What is Pale Prominent?
Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pale Prominent found?
Habitat: Woodland, scrub and gardens.
When is Pale Prominent active?
Pale Prominent: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June and, in the south, again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Pale Prominent?
The larval food plants are Poplar and Willow.