Western Rectilinea Slug Moth
Apoda latomia
This record describes Apoda latomia (species). Recorded family: Limacodidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Less well-marked and paler brown than A. rectilinea . See Bob Patterson's comment here : UPDATE 2022 BOLD currently retains both species pages for this taxon, which are now considered synonymous: [cite: ---> Epstein & Adams (2009: 163) in Powell & Opler.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Zygaenoidea
- Family
- Limacodidae (Slug Caterpillar Moths)
- Genus
- Apoda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
West Texas to Gila County, Arizona
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Apoda latomia. 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 Western Rectilinea Slug Moth (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Robert Lord Zimlich , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Rectilinea Slug Moth
What is Western Rectilinea Slug Moth?
Western Rectilinea Slug Moth (Apoda latomia) is a species in the family Limacodidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Western Rectilinea Slug Moth?
Less well-marked and paler brown than A. rectilinea .
Where is Western Rectilinea Slug Moth found?
Range: West Texas to Gila County, Arizona