Double-striped Pug
Gymnoscelis rufifasciata
This record describes Gymnoscelis rufifasciata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15-19 mm. It is often a brightly-coloured species. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including suburban areas, parks, gardens, hedgerows, roadside verges, heathland, moorland and woodland. This species generally has two broods, flying in April and May and again in August, though it can be found on the wing as early as January in mild winters. It is a regular visitor to the light-trap. The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of plants and bushes, including Gorse and Holly. Common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Gymnoscelis rufifasciata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnoscelis rufifasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometer Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Eupitheciini
- Genus
- Gymnoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies a wide range of habitats, including suburban areas, parks, gardens, hedgerows, roadside verges, heathland, moorland and woodland.
Seasonal Activity
This species generally has two broods, flying in April and May and again in August, though it can be found on the wing as early as January in mild winters. It is a regular visitor to the light-trap.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of plants and bushes, including Gorse and Holly.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout 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 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata. 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 Double-striped Pug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Double-striped Pug
What is Double-striped Pug?
Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Double-striped Pug found?
Habitat: It occupies a wide range of habitats, including suburban areas, parks, gardens, hedgerows, roadside verges, heathland, moorland and woodland.
When is Double-striped Pug active?
Double-striped Pug: seasonal activity - This species generally has two broods, flying in April and May and again in August, though it can be found on the wing as early as January in mild winters. It is a regular visitor to the light-trap..
What is the life cycle of a Double-striped Pug?
The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of plants and bushes, including Gorse and Holly.