Straw Underwing
Thalpophila matura
This record describes Thalpophila matura (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 38-46 mm. Pale straw yellow underwing with brown border, together with broad dark forewing, white outer cross line and thickset build are diagnostic. It frequents open grassland, moors and downs. The flight period is during July and August and the species comes to both light and sugar. The nocturnal larvae feed on various grasses and hide during the day. A relatively widespread and locally common species in England and Wales, though scarce in the south-west. As its range extends northwards it becomes more coastal into Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Thalpophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents open grassland, moors and downs.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is during July and August and the species comes to both light and sugar.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The nocturnal larvae feed on various grasses and hide during the day.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A relatively widespread and locally common species in England and Wales, though scarce in the south-west. As its range extends northwards it becomes more coastal into Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Thalpophila matura. 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 Straw Underwing (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Straw Underwing
What is Straw Underwing?
Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Straw Underwing found?
Habitat: It frequents open grassland, moors and downs.
When is Straw Underwing active?
Straw Underwing: seasonal activity - The flight period is during July and August and the species comes to both light and sugar..
What is the life cycle of a Straw Underwing?
The nocturnal larvae feed on various grasses and hide during the day.