Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918
Eucaterva variaria
This record describes Eucaterva variaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Larva - typical Geometrid shape; two forms, one mauve on the dorsal half and the other blue-green (Comstock & Dammers, 1932).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Ourapterygini
- Genus
- Eucaterva
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Powell & Opler (2009)reported the range to include western Texas to southern California. ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in March, June, and late July to early August. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009)reported the larval host is Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) Sweet (desert willow). ( 4 )
Life History
Comstock & Dammers (1932) available online in the print references describes the life cycle. Eggs, Larva, Larva refuge, pupa, adult:
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eucaterva variaria. 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 Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918
What is Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918?
Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 (Eucaterva variaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918?
Powell & Opler (2009) reported the forewing length 15-16 mm. ( 4 ) Comstock & Dammers (1932) reported the larva mature to 32 mm.
How do you identify Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918?
Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Larva - typical Geometrid shape; two forms, one mauve on the dorsal half and the other blue-green (Comstock & Dammers, 1932).
Where is Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 found?
Range: Powell & Opler (2009)reported the range to include western Texas to southern California. ( 4 )
What does Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 eat?
The diet of the Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 includes Powell & Opler (2009)reported the larval host is Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) Sweet (desert willow). ( 4 ).
When is Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918 active?
Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918: seasonal activity - Adults fly in March, June, and late July to early August. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Eucaterva variaria - Hodges#6918?
Comstock & Dammers (1932) available online in the print references describes the life cycle. Eggs, Larva, Larva refuge, pupa, adult: