March Moth
Alsophila aescularia
This record describes Alsophila aescularia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-35 mm. This is one of a few species of moth where the female is apterous, or wingless. The male has a distinctive way of resting, with the wings overlapping. The females may be found crawling on tree-trunks at night and the males can be attracted to light. The pale green larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees, including Hawthorn, Oak and fruit trees. It is fairly well distributed over most of Britain and reasonably common. 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
- Alsophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The females may be found crawling on tree-trunks at night and the males can be attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
Occurring in March and April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The pale green larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees, including Hawthorn, Oak and fruit trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly well distributed over most of Britain and reasonably common. 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 Alsophila aescularia. 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 March Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About March Moth
What is March Moth?
March Moth (Alsophila aescularia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is March Moth found?
Habitat: The females may be found crawling on tree-trunks at night and the males can be attracted to light.
When is March Moth active?
March Moth: seasonal activity - Occurring in March and April..
What is the life cycle of a March Moth?
The pale green larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees, including Hawthorn, Oak and fruit trees.