Satin Beauty
Deileptenia ribeata
This record describes Deileptenia ribeata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30 to 40 mm. Distinguished from similar species by the broad rounded forewing, it is a species where expert help with identification is recommended. Occupying deciduous and coniferous woodland. The adults fly in a single generation from June to August, and can be attracted to light. The dark brownish caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Yew and Spruce. This species is distributed mainly in the southern half of England and Wales, with a few scattered colonies northwards to Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Deileptenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying deciduous and coniferous woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in a single generation from June to August, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The dark brownish caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Yew and Spruce.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is distributed mainly in the southern half of England and Wales, with a few scattered colonies northwards to Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Deileptenia ribeata. 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 Satin Beauty
What is Satin Beauty?
Satin Beauty (Deileptenia ribeata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Satin Beauty found?
Habitat: Occupying deciduous and coniferous woodland.
When is Satin Beauty active?
Satin Beauty: seasonal activity - The adults fly in a single generation from June to August, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Satin Beauty?
The dark brownish caterpillars feed on a variety of coniferous trees, including Yew and Spruce.