Grass Rivulet
Perizoma albulata
This record describes Perizoma albulata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20 to 26 mm. A small species with wing barred with pale gold-green. The preferred habitats of this moth are open, dry grassy areas, limestone hills and sandy or shingle beaches. The flight period is from May to July, when the moths are on the wing in late afternoon and early evening. The larvae feed on the seeds of Yellow Rattle as they ripen. A widespread but rather local species in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Perizoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The preferred habitats of this moth are open, dry grassy areas, limestone hills and sandy or shingle beaches.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from May to July, when the moths are on the wing in late afternoon and early evening.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds of Yellow Rattle as they ripen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread but rather local species in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Perizoma albulata. 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 Grass Rivulet (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Rivulet
What is Grass Rivulet?
Grass Rivulet (Perizoma albulata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Grass Rivulet found?
Habitat: The preferred habitats of this moth are open, dry grassy areas, limestone hills and sandy or shingle beaches.
When is Grass Rivulet active?
Grass Rivulet: seasonal activity - The flight period is from May to July, when the moths are on the wing in late afternoon and early evening..
What is the life cycle of a Grass Rivulet?
The larvae feed on the seeds of Yellow Rattle as they ripen.