Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644
Micrathetis triplex
This record describes Micrathetis triplex (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: male forewing pale yellowish to light brown with prominent dark gray reniform spot; PM line composed of double row of blackish dots; scattered dark dots and speckling in basal half of wing; female forewing darker brown than male's with less noticeable reniform spot; fringe gray to blackish; hindwing white, shading to brownish-gray distally; terminal line thin, dark; fringe white. Type locality: Honduras.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Condicinae
- Tribe
- Condicini
- Genus
- Micrathetis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread across the southern United States from California to Florida and north in the east to Ontario. Also occurs in West Indies, Mexico. to South America. Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.
Seasonal Activity
Most records are from May-September except year round in Florida and California. MPG
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Micrathetis triplex. 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 Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Mike Quinn , Maury Heiman , Ethan Kistler , Randy Hardy , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644
What is Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644?
Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644 (Micrathetis triplex) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644?
Wingspan 15-24 mm.
How do you identify Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644?
Adult: male forewing pale yellowish to light brown with prominent dark gray reniform spot; PM line composed of double row of blackish dots; scattered dark dots and speckling in basal half of wing; female forewing darker brown than male's with less noticeable reniform spot; fringe gray to blackish; hindwing white, shading to brownish-gray distally; terminal line thin, dark; fringe white.
Where is Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644 found?
Range: Widespread across the southern United States from California to Florida and north in the east to Ontario. Also occurs in West Indies, Mexico. to South America. Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.
When is Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644 active?
Triplex Cutworm Moth - Hodges#9644: seasonal activity - Most records are from May-September except year round in Florida and California. MPG.