Pale November Moth
Epirrita christyi
This record describes Epirrita christyi (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 40 mm. Difficult to separate in the field from its close congeners, E. dilutata and E. autumnata so gen det is required. Tends to favour more wooded habitats than the other two species. The moths fly from September till November. Widespread but probably more local then November Moth (Epirrita dilutata). True status is difficult to determine as gen det of males is needed for reliable identification. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Epirrita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tends to favour more wooded habitats than the other two species.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly from September till November.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but probably more local then November Moth (Epirrita dilutata). True status is difficult to determine as gen det of males is needed for reliable identification. 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 Epirrita christyi. 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 November Moth (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale November Moth
What is Pale November Moth?
Pale November Moth (Epirrita christyi) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pale November Moth found?
Habitat: Tends to favour more wooded habitats than the other two species.
When is Pale November Moth active?
Pale November Moth: seasonal activity - The moths fly from September till November..