Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185
Blepharomastix achroalis
This record describes Blepharomastix achroalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Determined by James Hayden: The population on S. Padre Is., Texas (also IDed by J. Hayden and barcoded) is much more heavily marked than most Florida examples.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spilomelinae
- Tribe
- Herpetogrammatini
- Genus
- Blepharomastix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The Texas population was found on Black Mangroves in a tidal saltwater marsh; the adults were nectaring on mangrove flowers. At least two Florida examples on BG were photographed on mangrove leaves.
Geographic Range
Florida, West Indies. , A population was discovered on S. Padre Is., TX, in 2015 (CWS).
Seasonal Activity
January to March, May to August, October to December for Florida. The Texas population was flying in early August (CWS).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Blepharomastix achroalis. 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 Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185
What is Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185?
Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185 (Blepharomastix achroalis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185?
Determined by James Hayden: The population on S. Padre Is., Texas (also IDed by J. Hayden and barcoded) is much more heavily marked than most Florida examples.
Where is Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The Texas population was found on Black Mangroves in a tidal saltwater marsh; the adults were nectaring on mangrove flowers. At least two Florida examples on BG were photographed on mangrove leaves. |
| Range | Florida, West Indies. , A population was discovered on S. Padre Is., TX, in 2015 (CWS). |
When is Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185 active?
Blepharomastix achroalis - Hodges#5185: seasonal activity - January to March, May to August, October to December for Florida. The Texas population was flying in early August (CWS)..