Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325
Epermenia imperialella
This record describes Epermenia imperialella (species). Recorded family: Epermeniidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Busck (1906) original description is in the print references. Determined by Terry Harrison.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Epermenioidea
- Family
- Epermeniidae (Fringe-tufted Moths)
- Genus
- Epermenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Manitoba to Iowa and Pennsylvania. (larger range is likely) Pohl et al. (2005) reported the species in Alberta, but Pohl (2010) corrected the identification and stated Epermenia imperialella is not found west of Manitoba. ( 4 ) Holotype collected by Henry Engel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 20-v-1904 in NMNH.
Seasonal Activity
The adults appear to be most common in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Microleps.org mentions the larval host plant is probably members of Apiaceae.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Epermenia imperialella. 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 Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325
What is Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325?
Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 (Epermenia imperialella) is a species in the family Epermeniidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325?
Busck (1906) reported a wingspan of 19 mm. Pohl et al. (2005) reported the wingspan 13-18 mm. ( 3 )
How do you identify Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325?
Busck (1906) original description is in the print references. Determined by Terry Harrison.
Where is Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 found?
Range: Manitoba to Iowa and Pennsylvania. (larger range is likely) Pohl et al. (2005) reported the species in Alberta, but Pohl (2010) corrected the identification and stated Epermenia imperialella is not found west of Manitoba. ( 4 ) Holotype collected by Henry Engel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 20-v-1904 in NMNH.
What does Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 eat?
The diet of the Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 includes Microleps.org mentions the larval host plant is probably members of Apiaceae..
When is Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325 active?
Epermenia imperialella - Hodges#2325: seasonal activity - The adults appear to be most common in May and June..