Chimney Sweeper
Odezia atrata
This record describes Odezia atrata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23-27 mm. It is completely black except for the white fringes at the tips of the forewings. It inhabits grassy meadows, dry chalky and limestone districts. This unusual species flies in the daytime and prefers bright sunshine. The single generation flies in June and July. The larvae feed mainly on the flowers of Pignut. Distributed throughout most of Britain and can be plentiful in some locations. 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
- Odezia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits grassy meadows, dry chalky and limestone districts.
Seasonal Activity
This unusual species flies in the daytime and prefers bright sunshine. The single generation flies in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on the flowers of Pignut.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed throughout most of Britain and can be plentiful in some locations. 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 Odezia atrata. 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 Chimney Sweeper (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeper
What is Chimney Sweeper?
Chimney Sweeper (Odezia atrata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Chimney Sweeper found?
Habitat: It inhabits grassy meadows, dry chalky and limestone districts.
When is Chimney Sweeper active?
Chimney Sweeper: seasonal activity - This unusual species flies in the daytime and prefers bright sunshine. The single generation flies in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Chimney Sweeper?
The larvae feed mainly on the flowers of Pignut.