Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3
Parabagrotis cupidissima
This record describes Parabagrotis cupidissima (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is thought to be rare or uncommon (based on numbers of collections). It somewhat resembles a faded P. formalis or P. insularis , but lacks the prominent black patch on the prothoracic collar. It often looks somewhat pale and washed out with black scales giving it a somewhat speckled appearance. In some cases genitalic examination may be necessary for positive identification. Genitalia:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Parabagrotis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Little is known, but may be associated with open areas or wetlands.
Geographic Range
Occurs along West Coast from southern British Columbia to California.
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been found from April until late October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Little is known of the larval stages.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin for "most desiring" or "most desired"
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Parabagrotis cupidissima. 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 Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Davis; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Robert H. Biagi , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3
What is Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3?
Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3 (Parabagrotis cupidissima) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3?
Forewing length 15 to 18 mm.
How do you identify Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3?
This species is thought to be rare or uncommon (based on numbers of collections). It somewhat resembles a faded P. formalis or P. insularis , but lacks the prominent black patch on the prothoracic collar. It often looks somewhat pale and washed out with black scales giving it a somewhat speckled appearance. In some cases genitalic examination may be necessary for positive identification. Genitalia:
Where is Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Little is known, but may be associated with open areas or wetlands. |
| Range | Occurs along West Coast from southern British Columbia to California. |
When is Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3 active?
Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3: seasonal activity - Adults have been found from April until late October..
What is the life cycle of a Parabagrotis cupidissima - Hodges#11047.3?
Little is known of the larval stages.