LepidopteraGeometridae – Geometrid Moths

Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152

Scopula compensata

This record describes Scopula compensata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - Scopula compensata
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi

This species may or may not have the dark patches beyond the PM line. Specimen identified by DNA at BOLD:

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Geometroidea
Family
Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily
Sterrhinae
Tribe
Scopulini
Genus
Scopula

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

south-eastern (AL, FL, LA, SC, TX)

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Scopula compensata. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 (5)

Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - photo 1
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi
Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - photo 2
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi
Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - photo 3
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi
Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - photo 4
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi
Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 - photo 5
Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi

Frequently Asked Questions About Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152

What is Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152?

Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 (Scopula compensata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How do you identify Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152?

This species may or may not have the dark patches beyond the PM line. Specimen identified by DNA at BOLD:

Where is Scopula compensata - Hodges#7152 found?

Range: south-eastern (AL, FL, LA, SC, TX)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.