True Lover's Knot
Lycophotia porphyrea
This record describes Lycophotia porphyrea (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 30 mm. A small but attractive moth, with distinctive chestnut, black and white markings, often with a purplish tinge. It flies between June and August in a single generation, and is attracted to light. The well-camouflaged larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and heath (Erica). Occurring widely over the whole of Britain, and often the commonest of the Noctuidae in suitable habitats. 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
- Lycophotia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A moorland and heathland species.
Seasonal Activity
It flies between June and August in a single generation, and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The well-camouflaged larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and heath (Erica).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring widely over the whole of Britain, and often the commonest of the Noctuidae in suitable habitats. 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 Lycophotia porphyrea. 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 True Lover's Knot (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About True Lover's Knot
What is True Lover's Knot?
True Lover's Knot (Lycophotia porphyrea) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is True Lover's Knot found?
Habitat: A moorland and heathland species.
When is True Lover's Knot active?
True Lover's Knot: seasonal activity - It flies between June and August in a single generation, and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a True Lover's Knot?
The well-camouflaged larvae feed on heather (Calluna) and heath (Erica).