Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1
Phoberia ingenua
This record describes Phoberia ingenua (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Looks virtually identical to Phoberia atomaris. The male antenna has long setae which are longer than the width of the antennal shaft. The setae on the antenna of male Phoberia atomaris are shorter than the width of the of the antennal shaft. The genitalia are also diagnostic if a specimen is obtained.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Erebidae
- Subfamily
- Erebinae
- Tribe
- Melipotini
- Genus
- Phoberia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with very sandy soils where xeric oaks are present.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States, mostly along the coastal plain but also locally in sandy or barrens habitats inland.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in spring (late March-early May)
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phoberia ingenua. 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 Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by dennepj10 , Ken Childs , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1
What is Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1?
Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1 (Phoberia ingenua) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1?
Looks virtually identical to Phoberia atomaris. The male antenna has long setae which are longer than the width of the antennal shaft. The setae on the antenna of male Phoberia atomaris are shorter than the width of the of the antennal shaft. The genitalia are also diagnostic if a specimen is obtained.
Where is Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Associated with very sandy soils where xeric oaks are present. |
| Range | Eastern United States, mostly along the coastal plain but also locally in sandy or barrens habitats inland. |
When is Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1 active?
Uncommon Oak Moth - Hodges#8591.1: seasonal activity - Flies in spring (late March-early May).