Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272
Chimoptesis gerulae
This record describes Chimoptesis gerulae (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Original description online: [Adapted from original description]: White patch along the middle of inner margin. Beginning near the middle of the costa is a band of black scales curving into the wing and ending at the apex. There is a small white patch at this intersection on the apex. The lighter costal area enclosed by the band has three dark streaks angling away from the costa. There are numerous short dark streaks along the costa. Hindwing is brownish gray.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Chimoptesis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern United States. Type locality: USA: Pennsylvania, New Brighton ( H.D. Merrick , 3-26-02). Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Seasonal Activity
Most records are from December to January through March. , BugGuide
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin gerula meaning "she that bears or carries." Heinrich described the species from two specimens "taken in coitu" by Frank Merrick's son, Harry D. Merrick.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Chimoptesis gerulae. 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 Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272
What is Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272?
Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272 (Chimoptesis gerulae) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272?
Wingspan 17.5-18 mm.
How do you identify Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272?
Original description online: [Adapted from original description]: White patch along the middle of inner margin. Beginning near the middle of the costa is a band of black scales curving into the wing and ending at the apex. There is a small white patch at this intersection on the apex. The lighter costal area enclosed by the band has three dark streaks angling away from the costa. There are numerous short dark streaks along the costa. Hindwing is brownish gray.
Where is Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272 found?
Range: Eastern United States. Type locality: USA: Pennsylvania, New Brighton ( H.D. Merrick , 3-26-02). Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
When is Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272 active?
Chimoptesis gerulae - Hodges#3272: seasonal activity - Most records are from December to January through March. , BugGuide.