Small Mottled Willow
Spodoptera exigua
This record describes Spodoptera exigua (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26 to 32 mm. It can resemble some other species, but holds its wings rolled around the body when at rest. Arrivals have been noted in most months from February to November, but the peak arrival period is from August to October. The caterpillars feed on a number of low plants, but are not often found in Britain. An immigrant species, occurring mainly in the southern parts of England and Wales, but also found northwards to parts of Scotland. In good years, several hundred may occur. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Prodeniini
- Genus
- Spodoptera (Armyworm Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Arrivals have been noted in most months from February to November, but the peak arrival period is from August to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a number of low plants, but are not often found in Britain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
An immigrant species, occurring mainly in the southern parts of England and Wales, but also found northwards to parts of Scotland. In good years, several hundred may occur. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Spodoptera exigua. 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 Small Mottled Willow (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Mottled Willow
What is Small Mottled Willow?
Small Mottled Willow (Spodoptera exigua) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Mottled Willow found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Small Mottled Willow active?
Small Mottled Willow: seasonal activity - Arrivals have been noted in most months from February to November, but the peak arrival period is from August to October..
What is the life cycle of a Small Mottled Willow?
The caterpillars feed on a number of low plants, but are not often found in Britain.