Clouded Border
Lomaspilis marginata
This record describes Lomaspilis marginata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-38 mm. A delicate little moth. The black and white markings show considerable variation. Flies between May and July. It can be disturbed from undergrowth during the day, but its natural flight time is at night. The larvae feed on Willows and Poplars, especially Aspen. It is fairly commonly distributed over most of Britain. 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
- Lomaspilis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and moist localities.
Seasonal Activity
Flies between May and July. It can be disturbed from undergrowth during the day, but its natural flight time is at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Willows and Poplars, especially Aspen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly commonly distributed over most of Britain. 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 Lomaspilis marginata. 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 Clouded Border (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clouded Border
What is Clouded Border?
Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Clouded Border found?
Habitat: Woodland and moist localities.
When is Clouded Border active?
Clouded Border: seasonal activity - Flies between May and July. It can be disturbed from undergrowth during the day, but its natural flight time is at night..
What is the life cycle of a Clouded Border?
The larvae feed on Willows and Poplars, especially Aspen.