LepidopteraGeometridae – Geometrid Moths

Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1

Eupithecia matheri

This record describes Eupithecia matheri (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - Eupithecia matheri
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi

Identification notes

Genitalia: ♀ ♂

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Geometroidea
Family
Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily
Larentiinae
Tribe
Eupitheciini
Genus
Eupithecia

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Eastern United States. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

Seasonal Activity

Adults are most common from February to April. ,

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Specific epithet matheri in honor of Dr. Bryant Mather .

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eupithecia matheri. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 (5)

Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - photo 3
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - photo 4
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 - photo 5
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi

Frequently Asked Questions About Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1

How big is Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1?

Forewing length. ♂ 9 mm. ♀ 8.5-10 mm.

How do you identify Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1?

Genitalia: ♀ ♂

Where is Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 found?

Range: Eastern United States. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

When is Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1 active?

Eupithecia matheri - Hodges#7509.1: seasonal activity - Adults are most common from February to April. ,.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.