LepidopteraGeometridae – Geometrid Moths

Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540

Hulstina formosata

This record describes Hulstina formosata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540 - Hulstina formosata
Contributed by Bob Biagi; Additional contributions by Steve Morris

Detailed description and range map provided in Rindge at link in citations below. From the key to species in Rindge, the PM line does not reach the costal margin and forewing median area usually gray or grayish brown.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Geometroidea
Family
Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily
Ennominae
Tribe
Boarmiini
Genus
Hulstina

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

southeastern Great Basin - Northern Arizona, Colorado, Utah and eastern Nevada

Seasonal Activity

June, July, August

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hulstina formosata. 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions About Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540

What is Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540?

Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540 (Hulstina formosata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540?

forewing length = 14-17 mm

How do you identify Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540?

Detailed description and range map provided in Rindge at link in citations below. From the key to species in Rindge, the PM line does not reach the costal margin and forewing median area usually gray or grayish brown.

Where is Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540 found?

Range: southeastern Great Basin - Northern Arizona, Colorado, Utah and eastern Nevada

When is Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540 active?

Hulstina formosata - Hodges#6540: seasonal activity - June, July, August.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Biagi; Additional contributions by Steve Morris. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.