Brimstone Moth
Opisthograptis luteolata
This record describes Opisthograptis luteolata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-37 mm. A handsome yellow moth with red markings on the wing margins. Occurring in three overlapping generations in the south, graduating to just one brood in the far north. Adults can be expected on the wing at any time from April to October, depending on the locality and number of generations. The larvae feed on a range of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn. A common and widespread species in Britain. 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
- Opisthograptis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In any suitable habitat.
Seasonal Activity
Occurring in three overlapping generations in the south, graduating to just one brood in the far north. Adults can be expected on the wing at any time from April to October, depending on the locality and number of generations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a range of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common and widespread species in Britain. 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 Opisthograptis luteolata. 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 Brimstone Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brimstone Moth
What is Brimstone Moth?
Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Brimstone Moth found?
Habitat: In any suitable habitat.
When is Brimstone Moth active?
Brimstone Moth: seasonal activity - Occurring in three overlapping generations in the south, graduating to just one brood in the far north. Adults can be expected on the wing at any time from April to October, depending on the locality and number of generations..
What is the life cycle of a Brimstone Moth?
The larvae feed on a range of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.