Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819
Metanema inatomaria
This record describes Metanema inatomaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The sexes are very similar in size. Male have bipectinate antennae. Specimen identified by DNA analysis:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Anagogini
- Genus
- Metanema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Records from most of North America. ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) , ( 7 ) , ( 8 ) , ( 9 ) Moth Photographers Group map
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period is March to September. ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Forest trees ( 10 ) ; especially aspen and poplar, also willow ( 11 )
Life History
Overwinter as pupae in cocoons in bark crevices ( 11 ) Eggs, young larval face, larval face, larva, adult female:
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Metanema inatomaria. 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 Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Boone; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman , marcie oconnor , Fyn Kynd , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819
What is Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819?
Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 (Metanema inatomaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819?
Forewing length 13-16 mm.
How do you identify Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819?
The sexes are very similar in size. Male have bipectinate antennae. Specimen identified by DNA analysis:
Where is Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 found?
Range: Records from most of North America. ( 4 ) , ( 5 ) , ( 6 ) , ( 7 ) , ( 8 ) , ( 9 ) Moth Photographers Group map
What does Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 eat?
The diet of the Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 includes Forest trees ( 10 ) ; especially aspen and poplar, also willow ( 11 ).
When is Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819 active?
Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819: seasonal activity - The main flight period is March to September. ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Pale Metanema - Hodges#6819?
Overwinter as pupae in cocoons in bark crevices ( 11 ) Eggs, young larval face, larval face, larva, adult female: