Blair's Mocha
Cyclophora puppillaria
This record describes Cyclophora puppillaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Good photographs and/or the specimen required. This moth is usually considered to be a migrant from the continent though in recent years it seems to have become established on the south coast. On the continent, the larval foodplants include evergreen oak amongst others. This moth is usually considered to be a migrant from the continent though in recent years it seems to have become established on the south coast. The species was first recorded in Britain in 1946, and most subsequent records have been along the south coast of England, although some have turned up inland and further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant. 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
This moth is usually considered to be a migrant from the continent though in recent years it seems to have become established on the south coast.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly July to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
On the continent, the larval foodplants include evergreen oak amongst others.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is usually considered to be a migrant from the continent though in recent years it seems to have become established on the south coast. The species was first recorded in Britain in 1946, and most subsequent records have been along the south coast of England, although some have turned up inland and further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cyclophora puppillaria. 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 Blair's Mocha (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blair's Mocha
What is Blair's Mocha?
Blair's Mocha (Cyclophora puppillaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Blair's Mocha found?
Habitat: This moth is usually considered to be a migrant from the continent though in recent years it seems to have become established on the south coast.
When is Blair's Mocha active?
Blair's Mocha: seasonal activity - Mainly July to October..
What is the life cycle of a Blair's Mocha?
On the continent, the larval foodplants include evergreen oak amongst others.