Hodges#6406.1
Rindgea disparcata
This record describes Rindgea disparcata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cryptic. By dissection only. Douglas C. Ferguson named it as a new species in his Geometroidae fascicle 17.2. This cryptic species, which is rare in collections, is known only from central and southern Texas. It is the sister species of the closely related parcata . Paraphrasing, he further states that the genitalia are the only definitive differences for this species. I cannot see the differences in his drawings and according to his range, I should have only one species. Therefore I have created this page to post representative, unworn specimens as I dissect them this year (2020). I have sent numerous specimens to BOLD all of which were placed in bin BOLD:AAH5295 a catch all BIN containing Semithiosa, Speranza, Rindgea and Digrammia. Most of the Rindgeas are mine. The BOLD Bins entitled Rindgea parcata and Rindgea disparcata have no barcoded specimens in them.
Identification notes
Cryptic. By dissection only.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Macariini
- Genus
- Rindgea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Edwards Plateau and South Texas Brush
Geographic Range
Central and southern Texas.
Seasonal Activity
Every month of the year.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: I have reared it on the plant commonly called Huisache - Acacia farnesiana .
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Rindgea disparcata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hodges#6406.1
What is Hodges#6406.1?
Hodges#6406.1 (Rindgea disparcata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Hodges#6406.1?
Male WL 10-12mm. Female WL 11-13mm
How do you identify Hodges#6406.1?
Cryptic. By dissection only.
Where is Hodges#6406.1 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Edwards Plateau and South Texas Brush |
| Range | Central and southern Texas. |
What does Hodges#6406.1 eat?
The diet of the Hodges#6406.1 includes I have reared it on the plant commonly called Huisache - Acacia farnesiana ..
When is Hodges#6406.1 active?
Hodges#6406.1: seasonal activity - Every month of the year..