Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796
Microtheoris ophionalis
This record describes Microtheoris ophionalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Powell & Opler (2009) states The wing colors vary from dark ochreous brown or rust brown with well-defined subterminal line, to pale tan with brown subterminal lines, and spring moths are darker than summer individual. ( 3 ) Adults do come to lights but most specimens are taken during the day. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Odontiinae
- Tribe
- Odontiini
- Genus
- Microtheoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Across southern Canada, the United States, Mexico to South America. ( 3 ) Moth Photographers Group map ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly May through October but earlier in southern areas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009) states "Despite its enormous geographical range and abundance in collections, the larval biology of Microtheoris ophionalis is unknown." ( 3 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Microtheoris ophionalis. 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 Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy , Kyhl Austin
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796
What is Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796?
Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 (Microtheoris ophionalis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796?
Forewing length 5.5-7 mm. ( 3 )
How do you identify Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796?
Powell & Opler (2009) states The wing colors vary from dark ochreous brown or rust brown with well-defined subterminal line, to pale tan with brown subterminal lines, and spring moths are darker than summer individual. ( 3 )
Where is Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 found?
Range: Across southern Canada, the United States, Mexico to South America. ( 3 ) Moth Photographers Group map ( 4 )
What does Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 eat?
The diet of the Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 includes Powell & Opler (2009) states Despite its enormous geographical range and abundance in collections, the larval biology of Microtheoris ophionalis is unknown. ( 3 ).
When is Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796 active?
Yellow-veined Moth - Hodges#4796: seasonal activity - Adults fly May through October but earlier in southern areas..