Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031
Pyrausta atropurpuralis
This record describes Pyrausta atropurpuralis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forewings | Forewings of an obscure reddish brown with a purple cast. At first sight appearing immaculate, but the exterior line can be made out by its being followed by scattered yellowish scales; it is similarly shaped to that of vinulenta (= signatalis ), but not angulated on submedian fold. The stigmata are not obvious. The anterior line is partially shown in the same way as the outer line. Hind wings fuscous, paler at base; fringes paler and narrowly interlined. |
| Head | Head and thorax like fore wings. Beneath the body is silky whitish. |
| Wings | Wings beneath fuscous with a slight lilac reflection, without obvious markings except on secondaries an indication of a mesial line. Type locality: Texas (coll. by Belfrage, probably in central Texas). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Pyraustinae
- Tribe
- Pyraustini
- Genus
- Pyrausta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
western (CA east to CO, NM, TX) According to Dr. Ed Knudson, this is a central Texas species.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pyrausta atropurpuralis. 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 Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Chuck Sexton , A. Hendrickson , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031
What is Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031?
Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031 (Pyrausta atropurpuralis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031?
Expanse: 15 mm.
How do you identify Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forewings | Forewings of an obscure reddish brown with a purple cast. At first sight appearing immaculate, but the exterior line can be made out by its being followed by scattered yellowish scales; it is similarly shaped to that of vinulenta (= signatalis ), but not angulated on submedian fold. The stigmata are not obvious. The anterior line is partially shown in the same way as the outer line. Hind wings fuscous, paler at base; fringes paler and narrowly interlined. |
| Head | Head and thorax like fore wings. Beneath the body is silky whitish. |
| Wings | Wings beneath fuscous with a slight lilac reflection, without obvious markings except on secondaries an indication of a mesial line. |
Where is Pyrausta atropurpuralis - Hodges#5031 found?
Range: western (CA east to CO, NM, TX) According to Dr. Ed Knudson, this is a central Texas species.