Birch Mocha
Cyclophora albipunctata
This record describes Cyclophora albipunctata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20 to 25 mm. A delicately mottled and speckled species, this moth sometimes shows a rosy flush, but other specimens may be fairly grey in appearance. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. It occurs in woodland areas especially where plenty of Birch is present. Flies in May and June, with a second generation in August in the south. Occurs locally over much of Britain, except for parts of northern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Cyclophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occurs in woodland areas especially where plenty of Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in May and June, with a second generation in August in the south.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs locally over much of Britain, except for parts of northern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cyclophora albipunctata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Mocha
What is Birch Mocha?
Birch Mocha (Cyclophora albipunctata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Birch Mocha found?
Habitat: It occurs in woodland areas especially where plenty of Birch is present.
When is Birch Mocha active?
Birch Mocha: seasonal activity - Flies in May and June, with a second generation in August in the south..
What is the life cycle of a Birch Mocha?
The larvae feed on Birch.