Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985
Rifargia subrotata
This record describes Rifargia subrotata (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: Recognizably smaller than White-blotched Heterocampa; AM and PM lines often show more prominent orange tint; white patch in subapical area lacks prominent black edge on distal side (but may have small black darts). Common
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Notodontidae (Prominent Moths)
- Subfamily
- Heterocampinae
- Genus
- Rifargia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to AZ - Map (MPG) ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Mature larvae reported May to November. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hackberry - Celtis (Ulmaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
Larva; larva; pre-pupal; pupa; adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Our smallest Heterocampa sp.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Rifargia subrotata. 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 Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , Maury Heiman , marcie oconnor , Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985
What is Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985?
Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 (Rifargia subrotata) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985?
Wingspan 28-36 mm.
How do you identify Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985?
Adult: Recognizably smaller than White-blotched Heterocampa; AM and PM lines often show more prominent orange tint; white patch in subapical area lacks prominent black edge on distal side (but may have small black darts).
Where is Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 found?
Range: e. US to AZ - Map (MPG) ( 3 )
What does Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 eat?
The diet of the Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 includes Hackberry - Celtis (Ulmaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985 active?
Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985: seasonal activity - Mature larvae reported May to November. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Rifargia subrotata - Hodges#7985?
Larva; larva; pre-pupal; pupa; adult