Silky Wainscot
Chilodes maritima
This record describes Chilodes maritima (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 29 to 36 mm. A rather unusual species, which has a number of distinctive forms, and can resemble some of the Pyralidae. It may be found in reedbeds containing Common Reed. It is readily attracted to light and flies from June to August. The larvae are partially carnivorous, feeding on insects, including pupae of other wainscots, internally within the stems of Common Reed. Distributed locally in the south and south-east of England, with scattered colonies elsewhere in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Chilodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It may be found in reedbeds containing Common Reed.
Seasonal Activity
It is readily attracted to light and flies from June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are partially carnivorous, feeding on insects, including pupae of other wainscots, internally within the stems of Common Reed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed locally in the south and south-east of England, with scattered colonies elsewhere in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Chilodes maritima. 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 Silky Wainscot (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Silky Wainscot
What is Silky Wainscot?
Silky Wainscot (Chilodes maritima) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Silky Wainscot found?
Habitat: It may be found in reedbeds containing Common Reed.
When is Silky Wainscot active?
Silky Wainscot: seasonal activity - It is readily attracted to light and flies from June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Silky Wainscot?
The larvae are partially carnivorous, feeding on insects, including pupae of other wainscots, internally within the stems of Common Reed.