Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003
Epidemas obscurus
This record describes Epidemas obscurus (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to PNW Moths, this is a dimorphic species in which female forewing orbicular/reniform spots are considerably larger and more white filled that those of the males.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Xylenini
- Genus
- Epidemas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
south-central British Columbia south to California and west to Colorado
Seasonal Activity
September to October
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Epidemas obscurus. 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 Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003
What is Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003?
Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003 (Epidemas obscurus) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003?
According to PNW Moths, this is a dimorphic species in which female forewing orbicular/reniform spots are considerably larger and more white filled that those of the males.
Where is Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003 found?
Range: south-central British Columbia south to California and west to Colorado
When is Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003 active?
Epidemas obscurus - Hodges#10003: seasonal activity - September to October.