White-marked
Cerastis leucographa
This record describes Cerastis leucographa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 34 to 38 mm. The wing has a bright oval and a distinct kidney mark, both creamy white in colour. Occurs in scattered well wooded localities. Sometimes visits Willow flowers. One of the early spring species, flying in March and April, it can be attracted to light. The larvae have not conclusively been found in the wild in Britain, but have been reared in captivity on Willow and various herbaceous plants. A local species throughout England and in Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Cerastis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs in scattered well wooded localities. Sometimes visits Willow flowers.
Seasonal Activity
One of the early spring species, flying in March and April, it can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae have not conclusively been found in the wild in Britain, but have been reared in captivity on Willow and various herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species throughout England and in Wales. 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 Cerastis leucographa. 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 White-marked (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About White-marked
What is White-marked?
White-marked (Cerastis leucographa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is White-marked found?
Habitat: Occurs in scattered well wooded localities. Sometimes visits Willow flowers.
When is White-marked active?
White-marked: seasonal activity - One of the early spring species, flying in March and April, it can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a White-marked?
The larvae have not conclusively been found in the wild in Britain, but have been reared in captivity on Willow and various herbaceous plants.