Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747
Elophila ekthlipsis
This record describes Elophila ekthlipsis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: wings deep yellow with large white patches rimmed by thick black lines; medial area of forewing has large white U-shaped patch, with the base of the U touching the costa, and another large oval patch touching the inner margin; hindwing has broad white medial band crossing wing, and large oval patch touching costa; all wings have white subterminal band and yellow terminal band, both edged in black
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Acentropinae
- Tribe
- Nymphulini
- Genus
- Elophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae develop in wet areas around ponds or marshes, and are reported to live in an oblong case on sedges; adults are found nearby and are attracted to light
Geographic Range
Great Lakes area: Internet records from southern Quebec and Ontario, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from June to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae probably feed on Yellow Pond-lily ( Nuphar lutea ) and bur-reed ( Sparganium spp.), as do larvae of a "sister species" in Europe, Nymphula stagnata
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Elophila ekthlipsis. 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 Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747
What is Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747?
Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 (Elophila ekthlipsis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747?
wingspan 18-26 mm
How do you identify Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747?
Adult: wings deep yellow with large white patches rimmed by thick black lines; medial area of forewing has large white U-shaped patch, with the base of the U touching the costa, and another large oval patch touching the inner margin; hindwing has broad white medial band crossing wing, and large oval patch touching costa; all wings have white subterminal band and yellow terminal band, both edged in black
Where is Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae develop in wet areas around ponds or marshes, and are reported to live in an oblong case on sedges; adults are found nearby and are attracted to light |
| Range | Great Lakes area: Internet records from southern Quebec and Ontario, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin |
What does Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 eat?
The diet of the Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 includes larvae probably feed on Yellow Pond-lily ( Nuphar lutea ) and bur-reed ( Sparganium spp.), as do larvae of a sister species in Europe, Nymphula stagnata.
When is Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747 active?
Nymphula Moth - Hodges#4747: seasonal activity - adults fly from June to August.