Waved Black
Parascotia fuliginaria
This record describes Parascotia fuliginaria (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18 to 28 mm. This rather pretty species has a resting posture and appearance more typical of the family Geometridae than Noctuidae. It occupies woodland, damp areas and suburban habitats. The larvae feed mainly on a variety of fungi and rotten wood. It occurs locally in the southern half of England and Wales. Suspected migrants have occasionally turned up well outside the normal range. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Erebidae
- Subfamily
- Boletobiinae
- Tribe
- Boletobiini
- Genus
- Parascotia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies woodland, damp areas and suburban habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Flies between June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on a variety of fungi and rotten wood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs locally in the southern half of England and Wales. Suspected migrants have occasionally turned up well outside the normal range. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Parascotia fuliginaria. 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 Waved Black (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waved Black
What is Waved Black?
Waved Black (Parascotia fuliginaria) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Waved Black found?
Habitat: It occupies woodland, damp areas and suburban habitats.
When is Waved Black active?
Waved Black: seasonal activity - Flies between June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Waved Black?
The larvae feed mainly on a variety of fungi and rotten wood.