Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633
Pyromorpha latercula
This record describes Pyromorpha latercula (species). Recorded family: Zygaenidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Edwards (1882) described the adult. |
| Forewing | Forewing is brick red with a wide band along outer margin continuing along the outer third of the costa and a narrow band along inner margin. All of a blue-black shade. Hind wing is blue-black with a brick red band along the costa. |
| Antennae | Antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen are blue-black. |
| Legs | Legs are brownish. The adults mimic the beetle Lygistopterus rubripennis which are active during the same time of year. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Zygaenoidea
- Family
- Zygaenidae (Leaf Skeletonizer Moths)
- Subfamily
- Procridinae
- Genus
- Pyromorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Powell & Opler (2009) listed the range as Southeastern Arizona to Mexico City, Mexico. ( 4 ) Lectotype collected: Cochise, Arizona, United States.
Seasonal Activity
Powell & Opler (2009) reported the adults fly in June and July. ( 4 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pyromorpha latercula. 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 Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633
What is Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633?
Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633 (Pyromorpha latercula) is a species in the family Zygaenidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633?
Edwards (1882) listed the wingspan as 20 mm. Powell & Opler (2009) reported the forewing length as 11-13 mm. ( 4 )
How do you identify Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Edwards (1882) described the adult. |
| Forewing | Forewing is brick red with a wide band along outer margin continuing along the outer third of the costa and a narrow band along inner margin. All of a blue-black shade. Hind wing is blue-black with a brick red band along the costa. |
| Antennae | Antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen are blue-black. |
| Legs | Legs are brownish. |
Where is Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633 found?
Range: Powell & Opler (2009) listed the range as Southeastern Arizona to Mexico City, Mexico. ( 4 ) Lectotype collected: Cochise, Arizona, United States.
When is Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633 active?
Pyromorpha latercula - Hodges#4633: seasonal activity - Powell & Opler (2009) reported the adults fly in June and July. ( 4 ).