Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862
Neoterpes graefiaria
This record describes Neoterpes graefiaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The original description as Chlorosea graefiaria Hulst, and the Ferguson (1969) revised description as Merochlora graefiaria , are both available online in the print references below.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Ourapterygini
- Genus
- Neoterpes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Nevada to Colorado and New Mexico. Possible Oregon record? , Occurs in Baja California. Syntype collected in Nevada. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are usually reported from May through September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host is Penstemon barbatus (Cav.) Roth. (beardlip penstemon). (Seigler)
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Neoterpes graefiaria. 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 Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862
What is Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862?
Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 (Neoterpes graefiaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862?
Wingspan is 29-34 mm. (Hulst),
How do you identify Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862?
The original description as Chlorosea graefiaria Hulst, and the Ferguson (1969) revised description as Merochlora graefiaria , are both available online in the print references below.
Where is Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 found?
Range: California and Nevada to Colorado and New Mexico. Possible Oregon record? , Occurs in Baja California. Syntype collected in Nevada. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
What does Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 eat?
The diet of the Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 includes Larval host is Penstemon barbatus (Cav.) Roth. (beardlip penstemon). (Seigler).
When is Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862 active?
Neoterpes graefiaria - Hodges#6862: seasonal activity - Adults are usually reported from May through September..