Svensson's Copper Underwing

Amphipyra berbera

This record describes Amphipyra berbera (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Svensson's Copper Underwing - Amphipyra berbera

Wingspan 47-56 mm. Only separated as a species from Copper Underwing ( A. pyramidea ) in the late 1960's, there are a number of subtle characters which can contribute to the identification, but often reference to the genitalia is needed to be sure. The hindwing underside has a different pattern in the two species. Svensson's also has dark palps with pale tips, whereas Copper Underwing's palps are pale throughout, but this character is variable and depends on wear. Copper Underwing - Amphipyra pyramidea . Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks. The larval foodplants are a range of deciduous trees including Oak. Widespread throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland, It is emerging that in the northern parts of their range, this species is the most frequent of the two forms of Copper Underwing. 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: Amphipyra

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks.

Seasonal Activity

It flies from July to September.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

The larval foodplants are a range of deciduous trees including Oak.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widespread throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland, It is emerging that in the northern parts of their range, this species is the most frequent of the two forms of Copper Underwing. 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 Amphipyra berbera. 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.

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