Small Ranunculus
Hecatera dysodea
This record describes Hecatera dysodea (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Wingspan 32-34 mm. |
| Forewing | Forewing greenish-grey with occasional orange and gold spots, including a row near the outer edge. Rough open ground and gardens and roadside verges. The adults fly mainly in June and July and are occasionally attracted to light. The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of various wild and cultivated Lettuce. This species became extinct in Britain in the early part of 20th century but re-appeared in Kent in 2002 and is now re-colonising and becoming more common at least as far north as the English Midlands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as RDBK = Suspected, but not definitely known to be in one of the Red data Book categories, and not enough information available to say which. Local results from VC55 suggest that it has become much more common of late and the Red Data Book status may need to be reviewed. This species was previously classified as uncommon in our area but has been much more frequent in the last few years. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Hadenini
- Genus
- Hecatera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rough open ground and gardens and roadside verges.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly mainly in June and July and are occasionally attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of various wild and cultivated Lettuce.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hecatera dysodea. 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 Ranunculus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ranunculus
What is Small Ranunculus?
Small Ranunculus (Hecatera dysodea) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Ranunculus found?
Habitat: Rough open ground and gardens and roadside verges.
When is Small Ranunculus active?
Small Ranunculus: seasonal activity - The adults fly mainly in June and July and are occasionally attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Small Ranunculus?
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of various wild and cultivated Lettuce.