Rosy Marbled
Elaphria venustula
This record describes Elaphria venustula (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It flies at the end of May and in June, from dusk into the night, when it comes to light. The larval foodplant is not fully known in this country, but is suspected to be Tormentil. A local species, occurring mainly in certain localities in the south-east of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Elaphria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequenting dry, open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
It flies at the end of May and in June, from dusk into the night, when it comes to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is not fully known in this country, but is suspected to be Tormentil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species, occurring mainly in certain localities in the south-east of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Elaphria venustula. 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 Rosy Marbled (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosy Marbled
What is Rosy Marbled?
Rosy Marbled (Elaphria venustula) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Rosy Marbled found?
Habitat: Frequenting dry, open woodland.
When is Rosy Marbled active?
Rosy Marbled: seasonal activity - It flies at the end of May and in June, from dusk into the night, when it comes to light..
What is the life cycle of a Rosy Marbled?
The larval foodplant is not fully known in this country, but is suspected to be Tormentil.