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Turnip moth

Turnip moth

Agrotis segetum

A species of Agrotis, Also known as Gewone velduil, Tobacco cutworm, Dart moth

The Saateule (Agrotis segetum), also called cereal seed owl, is a butterfly of the family owl butterflies (Noctuidae).

General Info About Turnip moth
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Attributes of Turnip moth
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
field; embankment; garden; sand pit; grassland
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers
Larva Food Source
Leaves of various crops (e.g., wheat, barley, rye, oats), root crops (e.g., potatoes, carrots, beet), and various grasses
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Turnip moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Turnip moth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Turnip moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Turnip moth
It is a common European species and it is found across the Palaearctic region except for the northernmost parts.
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Distribution Area of Turnip moth
European
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Appearance of Turnip moth
This is a very variable species with the forewings ranging from pale buff through to almost black. The paler forms have three dark-bordered stigmata on each forewing. Antennae of male bipectinated with moderate length branches. The main feature distinguishing it from other Agrotis species is the shade of the hindwings, pure white in the males, pearly grey in the females. The wingspan is 32–42 mm.
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How to Identify Turnip moth?

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Life Cycle of Turnip moth
Egg An embryonic turnip moth is encased within a protective shell. Despite being barely visible to the naked eye, the colors can be diverse, often mimicking the surroundings for camouflage.
Larva The larval turnip moth exhibits drastic growth in size, with a cylindrical body and a voracious appetite. Its primary function is to eat and store energy for later stages.
Pupal A transitional turnip moth exists within a pupa, where it is immobile and undergoing internal restructuring. The organism's tissues are transforming dramatically in preparation for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult turnip moth's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Turnip moth
4 - 5 cm
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Predators of Turnip moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, arthropods (such as beetles or other carnivorous insects), spiders
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Predators of Adult Turnip moth
Bats, birds (such as nightjars), spiders, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Turnip moth
Turnip moth can navigate using the Earth's magnetic field, which it senses to maintain orientation during night-time migration.
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Scientific Classification of Turnip moth
Tips for Finding Turnip moth
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Youth Habitat of Turnip moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Turnip moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Turnip moth
For adult turnip moth, using light traps or pheromone traps is effective, as they are attracted to light at night and to the scent released by female moths.
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Habitat Preferences of Turnip moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of turnip moth are typically found on low vegetation or plant debris in cultivated fields and gardens. The larvae, known as cutworms, dwell in the soil or under debris near the base of their host plants, often feeding at night. Pupation occurs in the soil. Adults are nocturnal and frequently encountered near fields and meadows with diverse vegetation. Searching for various stages requires visiting these habitats during the corresponding active period or life stage, such as inspecting soil and plant bases for larvae or observing adults near light sources at night.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Turnip moth
The best time to find adult turnip moth is during night hours, as they are nocturnal, and specifically after dusk when their activity peaks. For larvae, searching during the daytime, especially in the morning or late afternoon, may be most productive.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Turnip moth
Mild, calm, and humid nights are ideal for trapping or observing adult turnip moth. Avoid rainy or very windy nights. For larvae, a warm, damp day after rainfall is optimal as they come near the soil surface.
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How and Where Can You Find Turnip moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Turnip moth eggs are often laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Look for them on the underside of leaves by utilizing a magnifying glass.
Larva Turnip moth larvae can be found near or on host plants they consume. For turnip moth, this could involve inspecting soil around crop plants for burrowing larvae or checking leaves for feeding signs.
Pupal Turnip moth pupae reside underground or in loose soil. Gently tilling the soil near host plants or areas where larvae were observed can reveal pupae.
Adult Turnip moth adults are mostly active at night. Use light traps or look for them resting on the undersides of leaves or on tree trunks during the day.
Are Turnip moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Turnip moth
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of turnip moth can inflict mild to severe damage on crops such as wheat and potatoes by feeding on roots and stems. A low population may only slightly impair plant growth, while a high density can lead to significant yield loss. The habit of larval feeding affects not just plant health but can have serious ramifications for agricultural industry and food supply.

More Effects of Turnip moth

Beneficial Effects of Turnip moth
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Turnip moth inadvertently contributes to pollination while feeding on nectar. Its attraction to the colorful blooms and enticing scents leads it to brush against stamens and pistils, accidentally transferring pollen in its quest for nourishment.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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