Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259
Ametris nitocris
This record describes Ametris nitocris (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 (Ametris nitocris) is a species in the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometrid moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, tribe Alsophilini, superfamily Geometroidea. This species belongs to the genus Ametris. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Wingspan 38-43 mm.. Active during Heppner reported adults are from January to September; November in Florida..
Identification notes
Determined by Jim Vargo.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Alsophilini
- Genus
- Ametris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Florida , , West Indies, Mexico to South America.
Seasonal Activity
Heppner (2003) reported adults are from January to September; November in Florida. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Heppner (2003) reported the larval host plant is Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq. (Polygonaceae). ( 4 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ametris nitocris. 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 Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259
What is Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259?
Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 (Ametris nitocris) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259?
Wingspan 38-43 mm.
How do you identify Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259?
Determined by Jim Vargo.
Where is Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 found?
Range: Florida , , West Indies, Mexico to South America.
What does Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 eat?
The diet of the Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 includes Heppner (2003) reported the larval host plant is Coccoloba diversifolia Jacq. (Polygonaceae). ( 4 ).
When is Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259 active?
Seagrape Spanworm Moth - Hodges#6259: seasonal activity - Heppner (2003) reported adults are from January to September; November in Florida. ( 4 ).