Lesser Treble-bar
Aplocera efformata
This record describes Aplocera efformata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 41 mm. Very similar to the Treble-bar ( A. plagiata ), but can be separated by its slightly smaller size, paler ground colour, and the shape of the inner wingbar, which tends to be straighter and more sharply angled. In the male the claspers at the tip of the abdomen also differ. Treble-bar has elongated, pointed claspers giving rise to a narrow abdomen tip. Lesser Treble-bar has a blunter tip to the abdomen with rather shorter, curved claspers - see the image at: http://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk/files/idtips/1867-treble-bar-1868-lesser-treble-bar-abdomens.jpg Areas where the larval foodplant is plentiful. There are two generations, flying in May and June, then again in August and September. Like its cousin, the larvae feed primarily on St. Johns-wort (Hypericum spp.). The species has a more southerly distribution than A. plagiata, being common only in the very south. It occurs less commonly gradually northwards to northern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Aplocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where the larval foodplant is plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, flying in May and June, then again in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like its cousin, the larvae feed primarily on St. Johns-wort (Hypericum spp.).
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has a more southerly distribution than A. plagiata, being common only in the very south. It occurs less commonly gradually northwards to northern England. 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 Aplocera efformata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Treble-bar
What is Lesser Treble-bar?
Lesser Treble-bar (Aplocera efformata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser Treble-bar found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplant is plentiful.
When is Lesser Treble-bar active?
Lesser Treble-bar: seasonal activity - There are two generations, flying in May and June, then again in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Treble-bar?
Like its cousin, the larvae feed primarily on St. Johns-wort (Hypericum spp.).