California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031
Phryganidia californica
This record describes Phryganidia californica (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: forewing translucent grayish-brown with prominent dark veins bordered by dull yellowish scales; hindwing light gray with dark veins; male antennae pectinate (feathery); female antennae simple Larva: body with two middorsal white stripes bordered in purple; yellow subdorsal and spiracular stripes separated by grayish-purple stripe, bordered in black; transverse black band on T1, A1, and A8; middorsal black spot on A5; head large, tan with faint tint of orange. [Adaped from description by Jeffrey Miller] Many online publications for this species concerning control, etc., @ biodiversitylibrary.org .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Notodontidae (Prominent Moths)
- Subfamily
- Dioptinae
- Genus
- Phryganidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Oak woodlands
Geographic Range
Coastal California and Oregon
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths can be found from March through November. Larvae present from fall through spring.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Caterpillars feed on leaves of oak, especially California Live Oak ( Quercus agrifolia ).
Life History
Two generations per year in northern California; sometimes a third generation in southern California. Overwinters as a larva on underside of oak leaf. Populations are cyclic: larvae are common in some years, and virtually absent in others.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phryganidia californica. 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 California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Maury Heiman , Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031
What is California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031?
California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 (Phryganidia californica) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031?
Wingspan about 30 mm Larva to about 25 mm
How do you identify California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031?
Adult: forewing translucent grayish-brown with prominent dark veins bordered by dull yellowish scales; hindwing light gray with dark veins; male antennae pectinate (feathery); female antennae simple Larva: body with two middorsal white stripes bordered in purple; yellow subdorsal and spiracular stripes separated by grayish-purple stripe, bordered in black; transverse black band on T1, A1, and A8; middorsal black spot on A5; head large, tan with faint tint of orange. [Adaped from description by Jeffrey Miller]
Where is California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Oak woodlands |
| Range | Coastal California and Oregon |
What does California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 eat?
The diet of the California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 includes Caterpillars feed on leaves of oak, especially California Live Oak ( Quercus agrifolia )..
When is California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031 active?
California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031: seasonal activity - Adult moths can be found from March through November. Larvae present from fall through spring..
What is the life cycle of a California Oak Moth - Hodges#8031?
Two generations per year in northern California; sometimes a third generation in southern California. Overwinters as a larva on underside of oak leaf. Populations are cyclic: larvae are common in some years, and virtually absent in others.