
Thursday 15 February
The World's Favourite Unloved Species 2018 - the Galapagos Racer
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Arthropoda |
Class | Insecta |
Order | Lepidoptera |
Family | Noctuidae |
Genus | Protolampra (1) |
Cousin German (Protolampra sobrina, formerly known as Paradiarsia sobrina) is a rare moth that has dark brown forewings with a purplish tinge and paler hind-wings, which become darker towards the outer margins (3).
Adults of this single-brooded moth fly in July and August. The caterpillars are present from September to May (1) feeding on bilberry and ling at first, but progressing to young leaves on low branches of small birch trees after the over-wintering period (2).
Known from a just few locations in the central Scottish Highlands. It has been mostly recorded in Rannoch and Aviemore and less frequently from Strathspey and the Dee Valley (2).
Classified as Rare in Great Britain (2).
The Species Action Plan produced for the Cousin German moth as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) aims to maintain the present range of the species. Some populations are located within existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves. Conservation action targeted at other threatened species that occur within Scottish pine forests, such as the Scottish wood ant Formica aquilonia, will also benefit the Cousin German moth (2).
Further reading on moths:
Skinner, B. (1984) Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles. Viking Press, London.
Leverton, R. (2001) Enjoying Moths. Poyser, London.
Information authenticated by Roy Leverton.
Image credit
© David Green / British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd
Butterfly Conservation
Manor Yard
East Lulworth
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5QP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1929 400 209
info@butterfly-conservation.org
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/
Link to this photo
Embed this Arkive thumbnail link ("portlet") by copying and pasting the code below.
Terms of Use - The displayed portlet may be used as a link from your website to Arkive's online content for private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. It may NOT be used within Apps.
Read more about
MyARKive
MyARKive offers the scrapbook feature to signed-up members, allowing you to organize your favourite Arkive images and videos and share them with friends.
Play the Team WILD game:
Team WILD, an elite squadron of science superheroes, needs your help! Your mission: protect and conserve the planet’s species and habitats from destruction.
Thursday 15 February
The World's Favourite Unloved Species 2018 - the Galapagos Racer
Thursday 01 February
Thursday 01 February