Small Yellow Underwing
Panemeria tenebrata
This record describes Panemeria tenebrata (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19-22 mm. It has a dark chestnut brown forewing dusted with grey and the typical yellow and dark banded hindwing Frequents meadows, grassy downland and other open areas. A day-flying species which prefers sunny weather. On the wing in May and June, it visits various flowers in grassy meadows. The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Mouse-ear especially Common Mouse-ear. It is widely distributed, though local, over much of mainland Britain as far as 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
- Panemeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequents meadows, grassy downland and other open areas.
Seasonal Activity
A day-flying species which prefers sunny weather. On the wing in May and June, it visits various flowers in grassy meadows.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Mouse-ear especially Common Mouse-ear.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widely distributed, though local, over much of mainland Britain as far as 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 Panemeria tenebrata. 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 Yellow Underwing (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Yellow Underwing
What is Small Yellow Underwing?
Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Yellow Underwing found?
Habitat: Frequents meadows, grassy downland and other open areas.
When is Small Yellow Underwing active?
Small Yellow Underwing: seasonal activity - A day-flying species which prefers sunny weather. On the wing in May and June, it visits various flowers in grassy meadows..
What is the life cycle of a Small Yellow Underwing?
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Mouse-ear especially Common Mouse-ear.