Poplar Lutestring
Tethea or
This record describes Tethea or (species). Recorded family: Drepanidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 38 to 43 mm. Characterised by its four cross-lines or 'lutestrings' on the inner part of the forewing, this species sometimes shows a slight purplish tinge when fresh. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. June and July is the typical flight time for this moth. The caterpillar feeds on Poplar species, especially Aspen, hiding between two joined leaves. There are three races recognised, occurring in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. In the most recent VC55 Macro Moth Checklist this species was classed as generally rare, in rapid decline, or species with high mis-ID potential. Good photos and /or specimen will be required. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Tethea or: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethea or.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Drepanoidea
- Family
- Drepanidae (Hooktip and False Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Thyatirinae
- Genus
- Tethea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around Poplars and Aspen.
Seasonal Activity
June and July is the typical flight time for this moth.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar feeds on Poplar species, especially Aspen, hiding between two joined leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
There are three races recognised, occurring in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Tethea or. 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 Poplar Lutestring (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar Lutestring
What is Poplar Lutestring?
Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or) is a species in the family Drepanidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Poplar Lutestring found?
Habitat: Around Poplars and Aspen.
When is Poplar Lutestring active?
Poplar Lutestring: seasonal activity - June and July is the typical flight time for this moth..
What is the life cycle of a Poplar Lutestring?
The caterpillar feeds on Poplar species, especially Aspen, hiding between two joined leaves.