Tree-lichen Beauty
Cryphia algae
This record describes Cryphia algae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Although distinctive in appearance, photographic evidence is requested to support records for this species due to its rarity in Britain at present. A migrant that is most likely to be recorded at light. Most British records are during July and August. In southern Europe larvae feed on lichens growing on trees. A mostly migrant species with only a handful of records prior to 1991 and In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a rare migrant, however it has since become quite frequent in the southern and south-eastern counties. More recently it has arrived in sufficient numbers to breed and possibly establish small resident populations in certain localities. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Cryphia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A migrant that is most likely to be recorded at light.
Seasonal Activity
Most British records are during July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In southern Europe larvae feed on lichens growing on trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A mostly migrant species with only a handful of records prior to 1991 and In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a rare migrant, however it has since become quite frequent in the southern and south-eastern counties. More recently it has arrived in sufficient numbers to breed and possibly establish small resident populations in certain localities.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cryphia algae. 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 Tree-lichen Beauty (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree-lichen Beauty
What is Tree-lichen Beauty?
Tree-lichen Beauty (Cryphia algae) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Tree-lichen Beauty found?
Habitat: A migrant that is most likely to be recorded at light.
When is Tree-lichen Beauty active?
Tree-lichen Beauty: seasonal activity - Most British records are during July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Tree-lichen Beauty?
In southern Europe larvae feed on lichens growing on trees.