Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1
Plagiomimicus kathyae
This record describes Plagiomimicus kathyae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Stiriinae
- Tribe
- Stiriini
- Genus
- Plagiomimicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Plagiomimicus kathyae occurs in dry scrub habitat.
Geographic Range
Arizona and Utah.
Seasonal Activity
Adams & Lafontaine reported August to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larval host plant and immatures stages are unknown. The larvae probably feed on plant species in the Asteraceae, as do other members of the genus.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Adams & Lafontaine stated "The species is named in honor of the wife of JKA, Katherine Parker-Adams. This name is particularly appropriate as James and Kathy were on their honeymoon at the time of discovery of the first specimens in 1995."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Plagiomimicus kathyae. 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 Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1 (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1
How big is Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1?
Adams & Lafontaine reported the forewing length as 11.3- 12.4 mm. (males smaller than females).
Where is Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Plagiomimicus kathyae occurs in dry scrub habitat. |
| Range | Arizona and Utah. |
What does Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1 eat?
The diet of the Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1 includes The larval host plant and immatures stages are unknown. The larvae probably feed on plant species in the Asteraceae, as do other members of the genus..
When is Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1 active?
Plagiomimicus kathyae - Hodges#9750.1: seasonal activity - Adams & Lafontaine reported August to September..