The Uncertain
Hoplodrina octogenaria
This record describes Hoplodrina octogenaria (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28-34 mm. Closely resembling The Rustic (H. blanda), there are a number of differences which contribute to the identification, but sometimes it may be necessary to refer to the genitalia for confirmation. In general, this species is more yellowish-brown, with well-defined cross-lines and reniform stigma, and less 'glossy' in appearance than H. blanda, but these are only brief guidelines. A wide range of habitats, mainly in low-lying areas, including woodland, rough meadows and gardens. It flies mainly between June and August, sometimes with a later second brood. Low plants such as Dock (Rumex) and Plantain (Plantago) are the foodplants. It is fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, more local in Scotland and Ireland. 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
- Hoplodrina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wide range of habitats, mainly in low-lying areas, including woodland, rough meadows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies mainly between June and August, sometimes with a later second brood.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Low plants such as Dock (Rumex) and Plantain (Plantago) are the foodplants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, more local in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Hoplodrina octogenaria. 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 The Uncertain (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Uncertain
What is The Uncertain?
The Uncertain (Hoplodrina octogenaria) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Uncertain found?
Habitat: A wide range of habitats, mainly in low-lying areas, including woodland, rough meadows and gardens.
When is The Uncertain active?
The Uncertain: seasonal activity - It flies mainly between June and August, sometimes with a later second brood..
What is the life cycle of a The Uncertain?
Low plants such as Dock (Rumex) and Plantain (Plantago) are the foodplants.