Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931
Gluphisia septentrionis
This record describes Gluphisia septentrionis (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: forewing varies from light to dark gray; yellowish-to-gold-to-brownish patches on wing vary in extent, either crossing the entire wing or being restricted to the medial area; postmedial (PM) line usually bordered by small pale patch at the costa; hindwing small, dirty white basally, shading to gray distally, with dark veins subspecies ridenda , which occurs in the west, has gold basal and medial bands on the forewing, interspersed by charcoal gray shading (see photo by Jim Vargo in MPG link in Internet References section below) Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Genitalia: ♀ ♂ Larva: pale green with prominent yellow subdorsal stripes; dorsum pale green or marked with wine red and yellow spots; head flattened with conspicuous antenna, often with black lateral lines; abdomen tapering to rear, last segment compressed [description by David Wagner and Valerie Giles]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Notodontidae (Prominent Moths)
- Subfamily
- Notodontinae
- Genus
- Gluphisia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
woodlands, parks, practically anywhere poplars grow
Geographic Range
one of the most widespread moth species, occurring throughout North America except Nunavut and Northwest Territories
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from May to August larvae present from June to October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of poplar ( Populus spp.)
Life History
two generations per year Overwinter as pupa in cocoons on the ground. Female with eggs; Hatchling; Larva; Pupa:
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Gluphisia septentrionis. 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 Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 (10)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Tony-2 , tom murray , Marci Hess , Robert H. Biagi , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931
What is Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931?
Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 (Gluphisia septentrionis) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931?
wingspan 25-33 mm
How do you identify Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931?
Adult: forewing varies from light to dark gray; yellowish-to-gold-to-brownish patches on wing vary in extent, either crossing the entire wing or being restricted to the medial area; postmedial (PM) line usually bordered by small pale patch at the costa; hindwing small, dirty white basally, shading to gray distally, with dark veins subspecies ridenda , which occurs in the west, has gold basal and medial bands on the forewing, interspersed by charcoal gray shading (see photo by Jim Vargo in MPG link in Internet References section below) Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Genitalia: ♀ ♂ Larva: pale green with prominent yellow subdorsal stripes; dorsum pale green or marked with wine red and yellow spots; head flattened with conspicuous antenna, often with black lateral lines; abdomen tapering to rear, last segment compressed [description by David Wagner and Valerie Giles]
Where is Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | woodlands, parks, practically anywhere poplars grow |
| Range | one of the most widespread moth species, occurring throughout North America except Nunavut and Northwest Territories |
What does Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 eat?
The diet of the Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 includes larvae feed on leaves of poplar ( Populus spp.).
When is Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931 active?
Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931: seasonal activity - adults fly from May to August larvae present from June to October.
What is the life cycle of a Common Gluphisia - Hodges#7931?
two generations per year Overwinter as pupa in cocoons on the ground. Female with eggs; Hatchling; Larva; Pupa: