Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057
Dichordophora phoenix
This record describes Dichordophora phoenix (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Original description online as Dichorda phoenix Prout. Adult: forewing green with straight whitish AM and PM lines that curve slightly at costa; distance along costa between AM and PM lines less than 2x distance between PM line and apex; narrow reddish-brown strip along costa has scattered pale patches; green shading slightly darker along medial edge of AM and PM lines; hindwing green with straight whitish PM line having slightly darker green shading along basal edge This is the type species of the genus Dichordophora .
Identification notes
Original description online as Dichorda phoenix Prout. (128) Adult: forewing green with straight whitish AM and PM lines that curve slightly at costa; distance along costa between AM and PM lines less than 2x distance between PM line and apex; narrow reddish-brown strip along costa has scattered pale patches; green shading slightly darker along medial edge of AM and PM lines; hindwing green with straight whitish PM line having slightly darker green shading along basal edge
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Geometrinae
- Tribe
- Dichordophorini
- Genus
- Dichordophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deserts ( 5 ) ; adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Geographic Range
California and Nevada to Colorado and Texas. , , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Seasonal Activity
Arizona and Texas records from April to November. , California records from December to May. ,
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Skunkbush Sumac ( Rhus trilobata ). ,
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The type specimen, a female, was collected in Phoenix, Arizona; this is the origin of the specific epithet and the suggested common name, Phoenix Emerald.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Dichordophora phoenix. 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 Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057
What is Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057?
Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 (Dichordophora phoenix) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057?
Forewing length: ♂ 12.5-14.5 mm. (males can be as small as 10.5 mm) ♀ 12-16.5 mm.
How do you identify Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057?
Original description online as Dichorda phoenix Prout. (128) Adult: forewing green with straight whitish AM and PM lines that curve slightly at costa; distance along costa between AM and PM lines less than 2x distance between PM line and apex; narrow reddish-brown strip along costa has scattered pale patches; green shading slightly darker along medial edge of AM and PM lines; hindwing green with straight whitish PM line having slightly darker green shading along basal edge
Where is Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deserts ( 5 ) ; adults are nocturnal and come to light. |
| Range | California and Nevada to Colorado and Texas. , , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data. |
What does Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 eat?
The diet of the Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 includes Larvae feed on Skunkbush Sumac ( Rhus trilobata ). ,.
When is Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057 active?
Phoenix Emerald - Hodges#7057: seasonal activity - Arizona and Texas records from April to November. , California records from December to May. ,.