Pale Brindled Beauty
Phigalia pilosaria
This record describes Phigalia pilosaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 40 mm. The females of this species are completely wingless (apterous), a feature which is often found in moths which emerge in the winter months. The species shows marked melanism, the black form f. monacharia being commoner than the typical form in certain parts. It may be found in a wide variety of habitats, often in areas with trees. The males fly from January to March, searching for the females which have climbed up tree-trunks. They are attracted to light. The caterpillars feed in late spring on a number of deciduous trees. Although widespread in Britain it is more common in England and Wales, and scarcer elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Phigalia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It may be found in a wide variety of habitats, often in areas with trees.
Seasonal Activity
The males fly from January to March, searching for the females which have climbed up tree-trunks. They are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed in late spring on a number of deciduous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although widespread in Britain it is more common in England and Wales, and scarcer elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phigalia pilosaria. 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 Brindled Beauty (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Brindled Beauty
What is Pale Brindled Beauty?
Pale Brindled Beauty (Phigalia pilosaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pale Brindled Beauty found?
Habitat: It may be found in a wide variety of habitats, often in areas with trees.
When is Pale Brindled Beauty active?
Pale Brindled Beauty: seasonal activity - The males fly from January to March, searching for the females which have climbed up tree-trunks. They are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Pale Brindled Beauty?
The caterpillars feed in late spring on a number of deciduous trees.