Yellow-line Quaker
Leptologia macilenta
This record describes Leptologia macilenta (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-36 mm. A reddish or yellowish buff species with an orangey yellow 'V' pattern at the wing tips. Frequenting woodland and bushy localities in the south of its range and moorland in the far north. It flies from September to November and feeds at various flowers and at sugar. It also comes to light. In the north of its range the caterpillars feed on Heather but further south it generally lives on deciduous trees such as Oak and Beech. Distributed throughout Britain and commonest in the south. 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
- Leptologia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequenting woodland and bushy localities in the south of its range and moorland in the far north.
Seasonal Activity
It flies from September to November and feeds at various flowers and at sugar. It also comes to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In the north of its range the caterpillars feed on Heather but further south it generally lives on deciduous trees such as Oak and Beech.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed throughout Britain and commonest in the south. 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 Leptologia macilenta. 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 Yellow-line Quaker (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-line Quaker
What is Yellow-line Quaker?
Yellow-line Quaker (Leptologia macilenta) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Yellow-line Quaker found?
Habitat: Frequenting woodland and bushy localities in the south of its range and moorland in the far north.
When is Yellow-line Quaker active?
Yellow-line Quaker: seasonal activity - It flies from September to November and feeds at various flowers and at sugar. It also comes to light..
What is the life cycle of a Yellow-line Quaker?
In the north of its range the caterpillars feed on Heather but further south it generally lives on deciduous trees such as Oak and Beech.