Common Lutestring
Ochropacha duplaris
This record describes Ochropacha duplaris (species). Recorded family: Drepanidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27 to 32 mm. A relatively poorly-marked species, with a range of variants, some of which tend towards the melanic form obscura. Often it is still possible to see the remnants of a darker spot and pale band across the wing however. A good photograph is generally required to support your record. The species inhabits woodland where Birch is present. The adults fly at night from June to August. It is widespread and fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Ochropacha duplaris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochropacha_duplaris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Drepanoidea
- Family
- Drepanidae (Hooktip and False Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Thyatirinae
- Genus
- Ochropacha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The species inhabits woodland where Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly at night from June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and fairly frequent throughout 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 Ochropacha duplaris. 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 Common Lutestring (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Lutestring
What is Common Lutestring?
Common Lutestring (Ochropacha duplaris) is a species in the family Drepanidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Common Lutestring found?
Habitat: The species inhabits woodland where Birch is present.
When is Common Lutestring active?
Common Lutestring: seasonal activity - The adults fly at night from June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Common Lutestring?
The larval foodplant is Birch.