Small Rufous
Coenobia rufa
This record describes Coenobia rufa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22 to 25 mm. A small plain looking rufous coloured moth with quite a pointed shaped head which seems to be rather tucked downwards. The species occupies fens, marshes and bogs. Only occasionally attracted to light, the flight period is July and August The larva overwinters and feeds within the stems of various rushes Locally common in the south of England and sporadically distributed elsewhere to southern Scotland. 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
- Coenobia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The species occupies fens, marshes and bogs.
Seasonal Activity
Only occasionally attracted to light, the flight period is July and August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva overwinters and feeds within the stems of various rushes
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally common in the south of England and sporadically distributed elsewhere to southern Scotland. 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 Coenobia rufa. 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 Rufous (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Rufous
What is Small Rufous?
Small Rufous (Coenobia rufa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Rufous found?
Habitat: The species occupies fens, marshes and bogs.
When is Small Rufous active?
Small Rufous: seasonal activity - Only occasionally attracted to light, the flight period is July and August.
What is the life cycle of a Small Rufous?
The larva overwinters and feeds within the stems of various rushes