Swallow Prominent
Pheosia tremula
This record describes Pheosia tremula (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-55 mm. Similar to Lesser Swallow Prominent ( P. gnoma ), though not necessarily larger. Lesser Swallow Prominent has a more distinct white wedge at the tornus of the forewing and lacks the wavy white line in the blackish area of the hindwing. Woodland, plantations, scrub, gardens and parks. Flies between May and July, with two broods in the south. It is fairly common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Pheosia tremula: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheosia tremula.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Notodontidae (Prominent Moths)
- Subfamily
- Notodontinae
- Genus
- Pheosia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, plantations, scrub, gardens and parks.
Seasonal Activity
Flies between May and July, with two broods in the south.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Poplar and Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common throughout Britain. 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 Pheosia tremula. 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 Swallow Prominent (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Swallow Prominent
What is Swallow Prominent?
Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Swallow Prominent found?
Habitat: Woodland, plantations, scrub, gardens and parks.
When is Swallow Prominent active?
Swallow Prominent: seasonal activity - Flies between May and July, with two broods in the south..
What is the life cycle of a Swallow Prominent?
The larvae feed on Poplar and Willow.