Simple Wave - Hodges#7164
Scopula junctaria
This record describes Scopula junctaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
wings variable in color and shape, from white with faint lines and rounded margins, to pale yellowish with bold lines and angular margins ( compare images of both forms); AM, PM, and median lines present; forewings and hindwings similar, with light speckling throughout
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
Habitat
mixed and deciduous forests
Geographic Range
every province and territory of Canada, plus northern United States, south to Maryland, Arizona, and California
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from late May to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on chickweed, clover, elm, and other plants
Life History
one generation per year
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Scopula junctaria. 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 Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Boone; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Wave - Hodges#7164
What is Simple Wave - Hodges#7164?
Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 (Scopula junctaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Simple Wave - Hodges#7164?
wingspan 20-26 mm
How do you identify Simple Wave - Hodges#7164?
wings variable in color and shape, from white with faint lines and rounded margins, to pale yellowish with bold lines and angular margins ( compare images of both forms); AM, PM, and median lines present; forewings and hindwings similar, with light speckling throughout
Where is Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mixed and deciduous forests |
| Range | every province and territory of Canada, plus northern United States, south to Maryland, Arizona, and California |
What does Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 eat?
The diet of the Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 includes larvae feed on chickweed, clover, elm, and other plants.
When is Simple Wave - Hodges#7164 active?
Simple Wave - Hodges#7164: seasonal activity - adults fly from late May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Simple Wave - Hodges#7164?
one generation per year