LepidopteraGeometridae – Geometrid Moths

Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866

Caripeta interalbicans

This record describes Caripeta interalbicans (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 - Caripeta interalbicans
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

A note by Ferguson in the Smithsonian collection states that Caripeta aequaliaria and Caripeta interalbicans are the same species - Franclemont collected larvae that he considered Caripeta aequaliaria , but Caripeta aequaliaria is known to have two larval forms.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Geometroidea
Family
Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily
Ennominae
Tribe
Ourapterygini
Genus
Caripeta

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Southwestern states north to Utah. , , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

Seasonal Activity

The main flight is June to August. ( 3 )

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caripeta interalbicans. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 (2)

Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Frequently Asked Questions About Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866

What is Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866?

Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 (Caripeta interalbicans) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866?

Warren (1904) listed the wingspan 44 mm.

Where is Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 found?

Range: Southwestern states north to Utah. , , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

When is Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866 active?

Caripeta interalbicans - Hodges#6866: seasonal activity - The main flight is June to August. ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.