Vine's Rustic
Hoplodrina ambigua
This record describes Hoplodrina ambigua (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-34 mm. One of the rather similar Hoplodrina group, this species is generally paler than blanda or alsines and tends to show larger and rounder stigmata. Grassland, heathland, woodland rides and gardens There are two generations with moths occurring between May and October, with the second brood somewhat more numerous. The caterpillar is dull brownish with darker markings and feeds on low plants such as Dock and Plantain. Fairly frequent in the southern part of England up to south Wales and probably enjoying an increase in recent years. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. This moth is listed as occasional in our area but its numbers seem to be increasing so this status may be subject to review. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant)
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
Grassland, heathland, woodland rides and gardens
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations with moths occurring between May and October, with the second brood somewhat more numerous.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar is dull brownish with darker markings and feeds on low plants such as Dock and Plantain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in the southern part of England up to south Wales and probably enjoying an increase in recent years. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hoplodrina ambigua. 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 Vine's Rustic (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vine's Rustic
What is Vine's Rustic?
Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Vine's Rustic found?
Habitat: Grassland, heathland, woodland rides and gardens
When is Vine's Rustic active?
Vine's Rustic: seasonal activity - There are two generations with moths occurring between May and October, with the second brood somewhat more numerous..
What is the life cycle of a Vine's Rustic?
The caterpillar is dull brownish with darker markings and feeds on low plants such as Dock and Plantain.