Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537
Caphys arizonensis
This record describes Caphys arizonensis (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Powell & Opler (2009) stated the forewing varies from rust brown to rose brown. The transverse lines are parallel, and the terminal line is red. Transverse lines are sometimes faint. Identified by Brian Sholtens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Pyralidae (Pyralid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Chrysauginae
- Genus
- Caphys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Powell & Opler (2009) included Arizona to western Texas and northern Mexico. ( 4 ) Holotype collected from Huachuca Mountains, Arizona.
Seasonal Activity
The adults appear to be most common in July and August. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009) reported the host plant and immature stages are unknown. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The species epithet is a derivative of the location.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caphys arizonensis. 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 Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz
Frequently Asked Questions About Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537
What is Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537?
Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 (Caphys arizonensis) is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537?
Forewing length as 11-14 mm (Powell & Opler, 2009). Wingspread = ♂ 20-22 mm; ♀ 24-30 mm - (Munroe, 1970).
How do you identify Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537?
Powell & Opler (2009) stated the forewing varies from rust brown to rose brown. The transverse lines are parallel, and the terminal line is red. Transverse lines are sometimes faint. Identified by Brian Sholtens.
Where is Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 found?
Range: Powell & Opler (2009) included Arizona to western Texas and northern Mexico. ( 4 ) Holotype collected from Huachuca Mountains, Arizona.
What does Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 eat?
The diet of the Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 includes Powell & Opler (2009) reported the host plant and immature stages are unknown. ( 4 ).
When is Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537 active?
Caphys arizonensis - Hodges#5537: seasonal activity - The adults appear to be most common in July and August. ( 3 ).