LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368

Apamea geminimacula

This record describes Apamea geminimacula (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - Apamea geminimacula
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris

Description can be found in MONA Fascicle 26-9 at link in citations below.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Noctuinae
Tribe
Apameini
Genus
Apamea

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

northern Colorado south to western Texas, southern New Mexico and southern Arizona

Seasonal Activity

early August to late October with most records from September

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Apamea geminimacula. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 (5)

Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - photo 1
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - photo 2
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - photo 3
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - photo 4
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 - photo 5
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris

Frequently Asked Questions About Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368

What is Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368?

Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 (Apamea geminimacula) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368?

forewing length: 18-24 mm

How do you identify Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368?

Description can be found in MONA Fascicle 26-9 at link in citations below.

Where is Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 found?

Range: northern Colorado south to western Texas, southern New Mexico and southern Arizona

When is Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368 active?

Apamea geminimacula - Hodges#9368: seasonal activity - early August to late October with most records from September.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Steve Morris. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.