Rosy Minor
Litoligia literosa
This record describes Litoligia literosa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 30 mm. Although displaying some variation, this species tends to be less ochreous than similar species, appearing generally greyer, with usually some rosy or purplish tint. Various grassy habitats, especially in coastal localities. The moths are on the wing in July and August. The larvae overwinter and feed on the stems and roots of several types of grass. Fairly common throughout Britain. 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
- Litoligia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various grassy habitats, especially in coastal localities.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae overwinter and feed on the stems and roots of several types of grass.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common throughout Britain. 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 Litoligia literosa. 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 Minor (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosy Minor
What is Rosy Minor?
Rosy Minor (Litoligia literosa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Rosy Minor found?
Habitat: Various grassy habitats, especially in coastal localities.
When is Rosy Minor active?
Rosy Minor: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Rosy Minor?
The larvae overwinter and feed on the stems and roots of several types of grass.