Clay Triple-lines
Cyclophora linearia
This record describes Cyclophora linearia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26 to33 mm. The second brood individuals are often different to those of the first and closely resemble Maiden's Blush. Well wooded areas especially those containing Beech. Moths fly from May to July, and sometimes again in the autumn. Occurring mainly in the southern half of Britain, the range of this species extends as far north as Cheshire and it can be fairly common in places. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Cyclophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas especially those containing Beech.
Seasonal Activity
Moths fly from May to July, and sometimes again in the autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves of Beech.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring mainly in the southern half of Britain, the range of this species extends as far north as Cheshire and it can be fairly common in places. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cyclophora linearia. 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 Clay Triple-lines (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay Triple-lines
What is Clay Triple-lines?
Clay Triple-lines (Cyclophora linearia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Clay Triple-lines found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas especially those containing Beech.
When is Clay Triple-lines active?
Clay Triple-lines: seasonal activity - Moths fly from May to July, and sometimes again in the autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Clay Triple-lines?
The larvae feed on the leaves of Beech.