CR

Agrotis photophila

Unknown

Overview

Agrotis photophila, the light-loving noctuid moth, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, United States.

Agrotis photophila faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range. The species' specialized nocturnal behavior and narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to light pollution, which disrupts its natural feeding and mating patterns. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature and moisture conditions essential for its survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This nocturnal moth species inhabits specialized grassland and scrubland environments, typically in areas with specific soil and vegetation conditions that support its larval development. The species shows strong habitat fidelity to particular microenvironments within its restricted geographic range.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Invasive/problematic species controlSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in NOCTUIDAE

EN

Owlet Moth

Graphania granti

Declining
EN

Apamea sphagnicola

Declining
EN

Apamea ramonae

Declining
VU

Agrotis psammophaea

Unknown

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Agrotis photophila classified as Critically Endangered?
Agrotis photophila is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Agrotis photophila faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range. The species' specialized nocturnal behavior and narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to light pollution, which disrupts its natural feeding and mating patterns. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature and moisture conditions essential for its survival.
Where does Agrotis photophila live?
Agrotis photophila occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Agrotis photophila?
The main threats to Agrotis photophila are 1.1, 2.1, 5.3, and 6.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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