The Magpie
Abraxas grossulariata
This record describes Abraxas grossulariata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-40 mm. A very distinctive species, this was a favourite with early collectors, who used to breed it to obtain unusual coloured and patterned forms. The moths fly in July and August and are regularly attracted to light. The caterpillar, which has similar colouration to the moth, feeds on Currant and Gooseberry bushes in particular, and used to be seen as a garden pest, though the species is now declining in many areas. Quite common in most of Britain, though less so in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Abraxas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in July and August and are regularly attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar, which has similar colouration to the moth, feeds on Currant and Gooseberry bushes in particular, and used to be seen as a garden pest, though the species is now declining in many areas.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in most of Britain, though less so in Scotland. 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 Abraxas grossulariata. 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 The Magpie (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Magpie
What is The Magpie?
The Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Magpie found?
Habitat: Parks and gardens.
When is The Magpie active?
The Magpie: seasonal activity - The moths fly in July and August and are regularly attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a The Magpie?
The caterpillar, which has similar colouration to the moth, feeds on Currant and Gooseberry bushes in particular, and used to be seen as a garden pest, though the species is now declining in many areas.