Barred Red
Hylaea fasciaria
This record describes Hylaea fasciaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-40 mm. This species has a green form ( prasinaria ) in addition to the typical reddish form. An inhabitant of coniferous woodland, but also venturing into gardens and parks. The caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Scots Pine and Norway Spruce. Found throughout most of Britain, in suitable habitat it can be reasonably common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Hylaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
An inhabitant of coniferous woodland, but also venturing into gardens and parks.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Scots Pine and Norway Spruce.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found throughout most of Britain, in suitable habitat it can be reasonably common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hylaea fasciaria. 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 Barred Red (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barred Red
What is Barred Red?
Barred Red (Hylaea fasciaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Barred Red found?
Habitat: An inhabitant of coniferous woodland, but also venturing into gardens and parks.
When is Barred Red active?
Barred Red: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Barred Red?
The caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Scots Pine and Norway Spruce.