Esther Moth - Hodges#6655
Hypagyrtis esther
This record describes Hypagyrtis esther (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to H. unipunctata ( One-spotted Variant ), but wings evenly violet-gray, not mottled. Beyond postmedian line they are reddish brown. Melanic individuals are a chocolate brown.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Bistonini
- Genus
- Hypagyrtis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Presumably in or near pine forests
Geographic Range
TX-FL-NH-IA (plus a few outer strays) - Map (MPG)
Seasonal Activity
adults fly Apr-Oct (MPG)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on leaves of pines
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hypagyrtis esther. 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 Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Mike Quinn , Jason D. Roberts , Maury Heiman , Robert Lord Zimlich , Ken Childs
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther Moth - Hodges#6655
What is Esther Moth - Hodges#6655?
Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 (Hypagyrtis esther) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Esther Moth - Hodges#6655?
Wingspan 25-45 mm, female larger
How do you identify Esther Moth - Hodges#6655?
Similar to H. unipunctata ( One-spotted Variant ), but wings evenly violet-gray, not mottled. Beyond postmedian line they are reddish brown. Melanic individuals are a chocolate brown.
Where is Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Presumably in or near pine forests |
| Range | TX-FL-NH-IA (plus a few outer strays) - Map (MPG) |
What does Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 eat?
The diet of the Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 includes Larvae feed on leaves of pines.
When is Esther Moth - Hodges#6655 active?
Esther Moth - Hodges#6655: seasonal activity - adults fly Apr-Oct (MPG).