July Highflyer
Hydriomena furcata
This record describes Hydriomena furcata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23-30 mm. A very variable species both in markings as well as colour with some showing a distinct green colour, others reddish-brown. The larvae feed on Willow and Bilberry among others. It is fairly common over most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
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
Hedgerows and woodland margins.
Seasonal Activity
It is on the wing in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Willow and Bilberry among others.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common over most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hydriomena furcata. 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 July Highflyer (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About July Highflyer
What is July Highflyer?
July Highflyer (Hydriomena furcata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is July Highflyer found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and woodland margins.
When is July Highflyer active?
July Highflyer: seasonal activity - It is on the wing in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a July Highflyer?
The larvae feed on Willow and Bilberry among others.