LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755

Polenta tepperi

This record describes Polenta tepperi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - Polenta tepperi
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman

Original description online: as Schinia tepperi Morrison. (68)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Stiriinae
Tribe
Stiriini
Genus
Polenta

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Oklahoma ( 3 ) , Texas to California; Utah ( 4 ) . Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

Seasonal Activity

Most records are from March to September. ( 5 )

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Polenta tepperi. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 (5)

Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - photo 1
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman
Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - photo 2
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman
Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - photo 3
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman
Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - photo 4
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman
Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 - photo 5
Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman

Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman

Frequently Asked Questions About Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755

What is Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755?

Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 (Polenta tepperi) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755?

Forewing length 12.5-13.5 mm.

How do you identify Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755?

Original description online: as Schinia tepperi Morrison. (68)

Where is Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 found?

Range: Oklahoma ( 3 ) , Texas to California; Utah ( 4 ) . Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

When is Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755 active?

Polenta tepperi - Hodges#9755: seasonal activity - Most records are from March to September. ( 5 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Maury Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.