Red-line Quaker
Leptologia lota
This record describes Leptologia lota (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 33 to 40 mm. A dull brown moth with red-brown lines forming a 'V' shape towards the rear end of the wings. Frequenting open woodland, heathland and damp localities. The single generation flies in September and October, and is readily attracted to light. The overwintering eggs hatch in the spring. The young caterpillars feed on the catkins of Willow, moving to the leaves when more mature, feeding at night and hiding in spun leaves during the day. This is a reasonably common species in most of Britain south of Scotland, where it is more local. 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
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Leptologia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequenting open woodland, heathland and damp localities.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies in September and October, and is readily attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The overwintering eggs hatch in the spring. The young caterpillars feed on the catkins of Willow, moving to the leaves when more mature, feeding at night and hiding in spun leaves during the day.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a reasonably common species in most of Britain south of Scotland, where it is more local. 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 Leptologia lota. 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 Red-line Quaker (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-line Quaker
What is Red-line Quaker?
Red-line Quaker (Leptologia lota) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Red-line Quaker found?
Habitat: Frequenting open woodland, heathland and damp localities.
When is Red-line Quaker active?
Red-line Quaker: seasonal activity - The single generation flies in September and October, and is readily attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Red-line Quaker?
The overwintering eggs hatch in the spring. The young caterpillars feed on the catkins of Willow, moving to the leaves when more mature, feeding at night and hiding in spun leaves during the day.