Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898
Lithophane longior
This record describes Lithophane longior (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult forewing pale gray with vague markings and a dark gray median band. Occasionally with a black streak running somewhat parallel to inner margin. Hindwing gray. Larva is green with large wavy white spots forming a partial to complete subspiracular stripe. On abdominal segments each spot starts below the spiracle, rising up level to the spiracle, but not touching it, before angling back downwards. On the first thoracic segment the spot is level and passes through the lower edge of the spiracle. A slightly smaller subdorsal stripe of similar pattern is also present. Setae from white bases.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Xylenini
- Genus
- Lithophane (Pinions)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Juniper woodlands.
Geographic Range
Ranges across western North America.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found in early spring and again in the fall. Larvae are present late spring through early summer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: One-seed Juniper ( Juniperus monosperma ).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Lithophane longior. 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 Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Smiley
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898
What is Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898?
Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 (Lithophane longior) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898?
Wingspan 40mm to 45mm. Larva to 35mm to 40mm.
How do you identify Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898?
Adult forewing pale gray with vague markings and a dark gray median band. Occasionally with a black streak running somewhat parallel to inner margin. Hindwing gray. Larva is green with large wavy white spots forming a partial to complete subspiracular stripe. On abdominal segments each spot starts below the spiracle, rising up level to the spiracle, but not touching it, before angling back downwards. On the first thoracic segment the spot is level and passes through the lower edge of the spiracle. A slightly smaller subdorsal stripe of similar pattern is also present. Setae from white bases.
Where is Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Juniper woodlands. |
| Range | Ranges across western North America. |
What does Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 eat?
The diet of the Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 includes One-seed Juniper ( Juniperus monosperma )..
When is Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898 active?
Lithophane longior - Hodges#9898: seasonal activity - Adults can be found in early spring and again in the fall. Larvae are present late spring through early summer..