LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469

Papaipema polymniae

This record describes Papaipema polymniae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 - Papaipema polymniae
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

The original description is available online.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Noctuinae
Tribe
Apameini
Genus
Papaipema (Borer Moths)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Eastern United States. ( 3 ) , ( 4 )

Seasonal Activity

The flight period averages August to December. ( 4 )

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larvae have been found on Smallanthus uvedalius (L.) Mack. ex Small [ Polymnia uvedalis ] (Leaf-cup). ( 5 )

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Papaipema polymniae. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469

What is Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469?

Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 (Papaipema polymniae) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469?

Bird listed the wingspan as 32-43 mm.

How do you identify Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469?

The original description is available online.

Where is Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 found?

Range: Eastern United States. ( 3 ) , ( 4 )

What does Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 eat?

The diet of the Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 includes Larvae have been found on Smallanthus uvedalius (L.) Mack. ex Small [ Polymnia uvedalis ] (Leaf-cup). ( 5 ).

When is Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469 active?

Papaipema polymniae - Hodges#9469: seasonal activity - The flight period averages August to December. ( 4 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.