Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719
Scoparia basalis
This record describes Scoparia basalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Scopariinae
- Genus
- Scoparia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout much of eastern North America and records from Washington to British Columbia and Alberta. Bug Guide - range map with monthly record of photos submitted to the guide. Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly April through November, with December records from Florida.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: unknown - possibly mosses ( Mass Moths )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Scoparia basalis. 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 Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Will Cook , Maury Heiman , marcie oconnor , Fyn Kynd
Frequently Asked Questions About Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719
How big is Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719?
Wingspan about 13 mm.
Where is Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719 found?
Range: Widespread throughout much of eastern North America and records from Washington to British Columbia and Alberta. Bug Guide - range map with monthly record of photos submitted to the guide. Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.
What does Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719 eat?
The diet of the Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719 includes unknown - possibly mosses ( Mass Moths ).
When is Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719 active?
Many-spotted Scoparia - Hodges#4719: seasonal activity - Adults fly April through November, with December records from Florida..