Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276
Hydriomena nubilofasciata
This record describes Hydriomena nubilofasciata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: FW extremely variable in color and pattern; typical specimens have four gray bands alternating with four light gold or greenish bands; PM line forms a smooth concave arc for most of its length, then angles inward near costa (a distinguishing feature); some individuals have a pale median area and dark patches in AM and subterminal areas, others have the reverse pattern - dark median patch and pale AM and subterminal areas; some individuals are uniformly pale except for dark AM and PM lines (see four examples of pinned adults); apical dash composed of 2-4 black spots arranged in line; dark patches along costa interspersed by pale whitish lines or patches. HW pale cream to grayish-brown with three indistinct bands Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Genitalia:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Hydriomena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on or around oak trees; adults may be active day and night, and are attracted to light
Geographic Range
Alaska and British Columbia to California and Arizona
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from February to May larvae from April to June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of oak
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: NUBILOFASCIATA: from the Latin "nubilus" (cloudy), from "nubes" (a cloud) + "fascia" (a band); refers to the obscure or indefinite appearance of the bands on the forewing
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hydriomena nubilofasciata. 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 Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276
What is Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276?
Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 (Hydriomena nubilofasciata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276?
wingspan 27-31 mm (based on eight specimens)
How do you identify Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276?
Adult: FW extremely variable in color and pattern; typical specimens have four gray bands alternating with four light gold or greenish bands; PM line forms a smooth concave arc for most of its length, then angles inward near costa (a distinguishing feature); some individuals have a pale median area and dark patches in AM and subterminal areas, others have the reverse pattern - dark median patch and pale AM and subterminal areas; some individuals are uniformly pale except for dark AM and PM lines (see four examples of pinned adults); apical dash composed of 2-4 black spots arranged in line; dark patches along costa interspersed by pale whitish lines or patches. HW pale cream to grayish-brown with three indistinct bands Specimens identified by DNA analysis: Genitalia:
Where is Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on or around oak trees; adults may be active day and night, and are attracted to light |
| Range | Alaska and British Columbia to California and Arizona |
What does Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 eat?
The diet of the Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 includes larvae feed on leaves of oak.
When is Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276 active?
Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276: seasonal activity - adults fly from February to May larvae from April to June.