Twin-spotted Quaker
Anorthoa munda
This record describes Anorthoa munda (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 38 to 44 mm. A variable species, with forewings ranging from pale buff to reddish-brown. The blackish twin spots are usually obvious, but in some forms, including ab. immaculata, these are reduced to barely discernible rufous marks, or obsolete. In woodland and other well wooded habitats. Flying in March and April, like several related species, it can be found feeding on Willow blossom at night. The caterpillars feed in early summer on various trees, including Oak, Aspen and Willow. It is widely distributed in England and Wales, but local in Ireland and 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
- Anorthoa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In woodland and other well wooded habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in March and April, like several related species, it can be found feeding on Willow blossom at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed in early summer on various trees, including Oak, Aspen and Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widely distributed in England and Wales, but local in Ireland and 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 Anorthoa munda. 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 Twin-spotted Quaker (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Twin-spotted Quaker
What is Twin-spotted Quaker?
Twin-spotted Quaker (Anorthoa munda) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Twin-spotted Quaker found?
Habitat: In woodland and other well wooded habitats.
When is Twin-spotted Quaker active?
Twin-spotted Quaker: seasonal activity - Flying in March and April, like several related species, it can be found feeding on Willow blossom at night..
What is the life cycle of a Twin-spotted Quaker?
The caterpillars feed in early summer on various trees, including Oak, Aspen and Willow.