The Satellite
Eupsilia transversa
This record describes Eupsilia transversa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-42 mm. There are a number of variations, but usually with reddish-brown ground colour and white or orange reniform stigmata. The small 'satellites' either side of the stigma can be obscure, especially in worn individuals. Broad-leaved woodland, parks and gardens. The adults emerge in September and can be encountered any time throughout the winter until April, in suitably mild conditions, when they can be attracted especially to sugar, but also to light. The larvae feed on a number of deciduous trees and also have a carnivorous tendency towards larvae of other species. A fairly common moth in much of Britain, though more scattered in Scotland. 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
- Eupsilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Broad-leaved woodland, parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in September and can be encountered any time throughout the winter until April, in suitably mild conditions, when they can be attracted especially to sugar, but also to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of deciduous trees and also have a carnivorous tendency towards larvae of other species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common moth in much of Britain, though more scattered in Scotland. 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 Eupsilia transversa. 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 The Satellite (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Satellite
What is The Satellite?
The Satellite (Eupsilia transversa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Satellite found?
Habitat: Broad-leaved woodland, parks and gardens.
When is The Satellite active?
The Satellite: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in September and can be encountered any time throughout the winter until April, in suitably mild conditions, when they can be attracted especially to sugar, but also to light..
What is the life cycle of a The Satellite?
The larvae feed on a number of deciduous trees and also have a carnivorous tendency towards larvae of other species.