Orange Underwing
Archiearis parthenias
This record describes Archiearis parthenias (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Light Orange Underwing (Boudinotiana notha) Specimens need to be netted and examined closely including the hindwing – especially if taken where both Aspen and Birch are present. If the moth has bipectinate (feathery) antennae it will be a male Light Orange Underwing. If not, it could be either species and the wing markings will need to be carefully checked and either photographed or retained for closer examination. This is a day-flying moth, unusually being on the wing in the early part of the year between March and April, preferring to fly in sunshine. The greenish caterpillar feeds firstly on the catkins, and then on the leaves of birch. Locally distributed in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Archiearis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits birch woods.
Seasonal Activity
This is a day-flying moth, unusually being on the wing in the early part of the year between March and April, preferring to fly in sunshine.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The greenish caterpillar feeds firstly on the catkins, and then on the leaves of birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally distributed in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Archiearis parthenias. 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 Orange Underwing (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Underwing
What is Orange Underwing?
Orange Underwing (Archiearis parthenias) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Orange Underwing found?
Habitat: It inhabits birch woods.
When is Orange Underwing active?
Orange Underwing: seasonal activity - This is a day-flying moth, unusually being on the wing in the early part of the year between March and April, preferring to fly in sunshine..
What is the life cycle of a Orange Underwing?
The greenish caterpillar feeds firstly on the catkins, and then on the leaves of birch.