David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
______________________________________________________Moths
95 – Minsmere Crimson Underwing Moths
MINSMERE
CRIMSON UNDERWING MOTH Catocala conjuncta
MINSMERE
CRIMSON UNDERWING MOTH Catocala conjuncta
·
Known as ’la Conjointe’ in France, the Minsmere
Crimson Underwing Moth Catocala conjuncta (Noctuidae, Catocalinae) acquired
its English vernacular name following the acceptance of a single British
record. There are two likely routes for Continental European moths to arrive,
migration or inadvertent introduction in produce in consequence of poor
biosecurity. The location at which the moth was found may not be too much of a
mystery, and no further explanation will be required! Non-migratory species may
occasionally cross the English Channel if there are strong prevailing southerly
winds, but transportation by boat or inside road or rail vehicles is also
entirely possible. Following the arrival of an isolated adult moth, breeding
will only occur if the moth is a gravid female, if an appropriate foodplant can
be located, and if the microclimatic conditions are suitable for the eggs to
hatch and complete the life-history. Even if successful, in-breeding will occur
in future generations unless additional members of the same species are able to
find the same locations. Imagines, ova, larvae, and pupae may all be imported
with produce, but once again breeding will not occur unless conditions are
right. The progression of anthropogenic global warming may prove to be
opportunistic for C. conjuncta, as the Evergreen
Oak Quercus ilex and related species may start to grow more widely
as the British climate becomes ever more suited to their survival (and a threat
to less drought-resistant native trees). The larvae of this moth feed on their
leaves, meaning that the possibility of it (and other species living on this
tree) becoming established is likely to increase unless sufficient mitigative measures
are taken to reverse the trend.
Sadly, this would appear to be an unlikely prospect without a significant
change of attitude amongst the world’s politicians.
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