The Phoenix
Eulithis prunata
This record describes Eulithis prunata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-35 mm. With a wingspan of around 40mm, this is one of the larger members of the Larentiinae . Distinctively marked with rich deep browns. Sometimes rests with tail slightly raised. It is most often found in cultivated areas, gardens and the like. The adults are on the wing in July and August. Feeds mainly on the leaves of Black Currant, Red Currant and related Ribes. It is found throughout most of the British Isles but is not particularly common anywhere. 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Eulithis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is most often found in cultivated areas, gardens and the like.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are on the wing in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds mainly on the leaves of Black Currant, Red Currant and related Ribes.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is found throughout most of the British Isles but is not particularly common anywhere. 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 Eulithis prunata. 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 The Phoenix (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Phoenix
What is The Phoenix?
The Phoenix (Eulithis prunata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Phoenix found?
Habitat: It is most often found in cultivated areas, gardens and the like.
When is The Phoenix active?
The Phoenix: seasonal activity - The adults are on the wing in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a The Phoenix?
Feeds mainly on the leaves of Black Currant, Red Currant and related Ribes.