Early Moth
Theria primaria
This record describes Theria primaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 32-37 mm. Like many other winter species, the females are almost wingless. The male is a brown moth usually with a darker spot on each wing. This aptly-named species is to be found on the wing in January and February. It feeds on Hawthorn and Blackthorn in the larval stage. Fairly frequent in England, Wales, Ireland and the south of Scotland. 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
- Theria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland margins and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
This aptly-named species is to be found on the wing in January and February.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on Hawthorn and Blackthorn in the larval stage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in England, Wales, Ireland and the south of Scotland. 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 Theria primaria. 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 Early Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Moth
What is Early Moth?
Early Moth (Theria primaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Early Moth found?
Habitat: Woodland margins and hedgerows.
When is Early Moth active?
Early Moth: seasonal activity - This aptly-named species is to be found on the wing in January and February..
What is the life cycle of a Early Moth?
It feeds on Hawthorn and Blackthorn in the larval stage.