Dark Umber
Philereme transversata
This record describes Philereme transversata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 29 to 37 mm. Although varying in degrees of contrast, this is normally a dark brown species, as the English name suggests. The trailing edges of the wings are distinctly scalloped. Usually associated with calcareous soils. The caterpillar has two forms - one pale green; the other dark brown and cream. The foodplant is Buckthorn. The species is found in England and Wales, being commoner in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Philereme
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually associated with calcareous soils.
Seasonal Activity
July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar has two forms - one pale green; the other dark brown and cream. The foodplant is Buckthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is found in England and Wales, being commoner in the south. 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 Philereme transversata. 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 Dark Umber (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Umber
What is Dark Umber?
Dark Umber (Philereme transversata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dark Umber found?
Habitat: Usually associated with calcareous soils.
When is Dark Umber active?
Dark Umber: seasonal activity - July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Dark Umber?
The caterpillar has two forms - one pale green; the other dark brown and cream. The foodplant is Buckthorn.