Scarce Umber
Agriopis aurantiaria
This record describes Agriopis aurantiaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27-35 mm. In common with several of its relatives, the female is almost wingless and spends much of its short life climbing up tree-trunks. Inhabiting woodland, suburban habitats and other bushy places. The males fly in October and November and are attracted to light. A range of deciduous trees form the main food of the larvae. This moth is reasonably common in England and Wales but local in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Agriopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting woodland, suburban habitats and other bushy places.
Seasonal Activity
The males fly in October and November and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A range of deciduous trees form the main food of the larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is reasonably common in England and Wales but local in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Agriopis aurantiaria. 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 Scarce Umber (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarce Umber
What is Scarce Umber?
Scarce Umber (Agriopis aurantiaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scarce Umber found?
Habitat: Inhabiting woodland, suburban habitats and other bushy places.
When is Scarce Umber active?
Scarce Umber: seasonal activity - The males fly in October and November and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Scarce Umber?
A range of deciduous trees form the main food of the larvae.