Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050
Leucocnemis nivalis
This record describes Leucocnemis nivalis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The original description as Oxycnemis nivalis Smith, and the Hampson (1909) revised description are both available online in the print references below. Determined by Ed Knudson (Texas Lepidoptera Survey)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Oncocnemidinae
- Genus
- Leucocnemis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern California to Texas, south into Mexico. ,
Seasonal Activity
Adults are most common from March to July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unknown.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Leucocnemis nivalis. 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 Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050
What is Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050?
Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 (Leucocnemis nivalis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050?
Wingspan approximately 22-26 mm.
How do you identify Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050?
The original description as Oxycnemis nivalis Smith, and the Hampson (1909) revised description are both available online in the print references below. Determined by Ed Knudson (Texas Lepidoptera Survey)
Where is Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 found?
Range: Southern California to Texas, south into Mexico. ,
What does Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 eat?
The diet of the Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 includes Unknown..
When is Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050 active?
Leucocnemis nivalis - Hodges#10050: seasonal activity - Adults are most common from March to July..