Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116
Idaea gemmata
This record describes Idaea gemmata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing off-white to cream-colored except for brownish to dark gray median area; discal spot dull orangish; PM line wavy; diffuse dark smudges in subterminal area; terminal line composed of dark dots at ends of veins; fringe pale; hindwing color and pattern similar to forewing.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sterrhinae
- Tribe
- Sterrhini
- Genus
- Idaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California to Colorado and western Texas.
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period is April to September.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Idaea gemmata. 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 Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Nick Block , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116
What is Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116?
Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116 (Idaea gemmata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116?
Wingspan about 12-15 mm.
How do you identify Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116?
Forewing off-white to cream-colored except for brownish to dark gray median area; discal spot dull orangish; PM line wavy; diffuse dark smudges in subterminal area; terminal line composed of dark dots at ends of veins; fringe pale; hindwing color and pattern similar to forewing.
Where is Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116 found?
Range: California to Colorado and western Texas.
When is Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116 active?
Idaea gemmata - Hodges#7116: seasonal activity - The main flight period is April to September..