Pink-barred Sallow
Xanthia togata
This record describes Xanthia togata (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-30 mm. A rather variable mix of yellow undertones and pink to maroon markings, it is best identified by its reddish head and upper shoulders. Frequenting mainly damp woodland and marshy areas. It is single-brooded, flying in September and October, when it will visit sugar as well as artificial light. The young larvae feed inside the catkins of Willow and when more mature, on a range of herbaceous plants. A widespread and 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. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Xanthia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequenting mainly damp woodland and marshy areas.
Seasonal Activity
It is single-brooded, flying in September and October, when it will visit sugar as well as artificial light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The young larvae feed inside the catkins of Willow and when more mature, on a range of herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread and 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 Xanthia togata. 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 Pink-barred Sallow (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink-barred Sallow
What is Pink-barred Sallow?
Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pink-barred Sallow found?
Habitat: Frequenting mainly damp woodland and marshy areas.
When is Pink-barred Sallow active?
Pink-barred Sallow: seasonal activity - It is single-brooded, flying in September and October, when it will visit sugar as well as artificial light..
What is the life cycle of a Pink-barred Sallow?
The young larvae feed inside the catkins of Willow and when more mature, on a range of herbaceous plants.