Early Tooth-striped
Trichopteryx carpinata
This record describes Trichopteryx carpinata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30 to 34 mm. Typically the moth has ill-defined markings, but the northern fasciata form has more contrasting cross-bands. Woodland habitats and well wooded areas. Flies in April and May in a single generation. The larvae feed on various trees and shrubs including Honeysuckle, Willow and Birch. A fairly frequent species over most of the British Isles. 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.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Trichopteryx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland habitats and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in April and May in a single generation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various trees and shrubs including Honeysuckle, Willow and Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly frequent species over most of the British Isles. 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 Trichopteryx carpinata. 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 Tooth-striped (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Tooth-striped
What is Early Tooth-striped?
Early Tooth-striped (Trichopteryx carpinata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Early Tooth-striped found?
Habitat: Woodland habitats and well wooded areas.
When is Early Tooth-striped active?
Early Tooth-striped: seasonal activity - Flies in April and May in a single generation..
What is the life cycle of a Early Tooth-striped?
The larvae feed on various trees and shrubs including Honeysuckle, Willow and Birch.