Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456
Amphipoea interoceanica
This record describes Amphipoea interoceanica (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
virtually identical to American Ear Moth ( A. americana ) but slightly smaller with a stouter body.The white scales or lack of white scales in the reniform spot is not useful in determining the species. Genitalia: In A. interoceanica, the digitus on the valvae does not extend beyond the tip of the valvae, as it does in A. americana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Amphipoea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
commercial strawberry farms; fields, meadows
Geographic Range
mostly inland or "between the oceans" - in Canada from QC west to AB but not coastal provinces of NB or BC (occurs in Nova Scotia however), and adjacent parts of United States
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in July and August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves, stems, and fruit stalks of strawberry ( Fragaria spp.) plus grasses and sedges
Life History
eggs are laid in July on dead strawberry leaves; overwinters as an egg, which hatches in spring; larvae feed from May to July; one generation per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphipoea interoceanica (Smith, 1899) Hydroecia interoceanica Smith, 1899
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Amphipoea interoceanica. 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 Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456
What is Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456?
Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 (Amphipoea interoceanica) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456?
wingspan: 28-31 mm (Smith, 1899) slightly smaller than American Ear Moth, which has a wingspan of 28-36 mm
How do you identify Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456?
virtually identical to American Ear Moth ( A. americana ) but slightly smaller with a stouter body.The white scales or lack of white scales in the reniform spot is not useful in determining the species. Genitalia: In A. interoceanica, the digitus on the valvae does not extend beyond the tip of the valvae, as it does in A. americana.
Where is Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | commercial strawberry farms; fields, meadows |
| Range | mostly inland or between the oceans - in Canada from QC west to AB but not coastal provinces of NB or BC (occurs in Nova Scotia however), and adjacent parts of United States |
What does Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 eat?
The diet of the Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 includes larvae feed on leaves, stems, and fruit stalks of strawberry ( Fragaria spp.) plus grasses and sedges.
When is Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456 active?
Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456: seasonal activity - adults fly in July and August.
What is the life cycle of a Interoceanic Ear Moth - Hodges#9456?
eggs are laid in July on dead strawberry leaves; overwinters as an egg, which hatches in spring; larvae feed from May to July; one generation per year