Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316
Macaria simpliciata
This record describes Macaria simpliciata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Macaria simpliciata resembles Macaria pallipennata , but has no discal spot, is much less boldly marked, and has no checkered fringe. Macaria simpliciata is rare in collections.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Macariini
- Genus
- Macaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry mountainous areas up to 6,000' elevation.
Geographic Range
Western Texas to Arizona. , , Collection sites included Chiricahua Mountains, Porta, Bisbee, Cochise, Redington, and Pima counties in Arizona. Eddy and Lincoln counties in New Mexico. Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, and the Sierra Diablo, Culberson County in Texas.
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period is March to August. ,
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ferguson reported the host plant and early stages are unknown.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Macaria simpliciata. 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 Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316
What is Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316?
Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 (Macaria simpliciata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316?
Ferguson listed the forewing length. ♂ 11-13 mm. ♀ 12 mm.
How do you identify Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316?
Macaria simpliciata resembles Macaria pallipennata , but has no discal spot, is much less boldly marked, and has no checkered fringe.
Where is Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dry mountainous areas up to 6,000' elevation. |
| Range | Western Texas to Arizona. , , Collection sites included Chiricahua Mountains, Porta, Bisbee, Cochise, Redington, and Pima counties in Arizona. Eddy and Lincoln counties in New Mexico. Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, and the Sierra Diablo, Culberson County in Texas. |
What does Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 eat?
The diet of the Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 includes Ferguson reported the host plant and early stages are unknown..
When is Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316 active?
Macaria simpliciata - Hodges#6316: seasonal activity - The main flight period is March to August. ,.