Light Orange Underwing
Archiearis notha
This record describes Archiearis notha (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 35 mm. The adults have rather less variegated forewings than A. parthenias and subtle differences in the black suffusion of the hindwing, though these are difficult to establish in the field. Orange Underwing ( Archiearis parthenias ) Specimens need to be netted and examined closely including the hindwing – especially if taken where both Aspen and Birch are present. If the moth has bipectinate (feathery) antennae it will be a male Light Orange Underwing. If not, it could be either species and the wing markings will need to be carefully checked and either photographed or retained for closer examination. Associated with Aspen, and most likely to be encountered where stands of Aspen occur. The larvae feed on aspen (Populus tremula), hiding in the daytime between spun leaves. A scarcer species than Orange Underwing A. parthenias , occurring locally in the southern half of England, although absent from the south-west. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Archiearis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with Aspen, and most likely to be encountered where stands of Aspen occur.
Seasonal Activity
From mid-March onwards into April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on aspen (Populus tremula), hiding in the daytime between spun leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A scarcer species than Orange Underwing
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Archiearis notha. 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 Light Orange Underwing (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Light Orange Underwing
What is Light Orange Underwing?
Light Orange Underwing (Archiearis notha) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Light Orange Underwing found?
Habitat: Associated with Aspen, and most likely to be encountered where stands of Aspen occur.
When is Light Orange Underwing active?
Light Orange Underwing: seasonal activity - From mid-March onwards into April..
What is the life cycle of a Light Orange Underwing?
The larvae feed on aspen (Populus tremula), hiding in the daytime between spun leaves.