Rush Veneer
Nomophila noctuella
This record describes Nomophila noctuella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26-32 mm. When at rest, this moth has a very elongated and narrow shape, which makes it easily recognisable. A well-known migrant, it can often be found in large numbers at coastal watch-points but can also be found inland. Tends to occur in the adult stage between May and September. The larvae feed on Clover and various grasses. Numbers vary but in years of heavy migration it can be abundant in coastal areas. Records are mainly from the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
Wikipedia reference for Nomophila noctuella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomophila noctuella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spilomelinae
- Tribe
- Nomophilini
- Genus
- Nomophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A well-known migrant, it can often be found in large numbers at coastal watch-points but can also be found inland.
Seasonal Activity
Tends to occur in the adult stage between May and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Clover and various grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Numbers vary but in years of heavy migration it can be abundant in coastal areas. Records are mainly from the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Nomophila noctuella. 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 Rush Veneer (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rush Veneer
What is Rush Veneer?
Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Rush Veneer found?
Habitat: A well-known migrant, it can often be found in large numbers at coastal watch-points but can also be found inland.
When is Rush Veneer active?
Rush Veneer: seasonal activity - Tends to occur in the adult stage between May and September..
What is the life cycle of a Rush Veneer?
The larvae feed on Clover and various grasses.