Small Blood-vein
Scopula imitaria
This record describes Scopula imitaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 26-29 mm. Like the rather similar Blood-vein ( Timandra griseata ), this species has a cross-line which extends across all four wings when at rest, though the colour is generally less pink. Waste ground, hedgerows and coastal sand-dunes. The adults fly at night during July and August. Feeding on Privet and a variety of low-growing plants, the caterpillars overwinter. It is fairly common in the southern half of Britain but local further north. 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
- Scopula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Waste ground, hedgerows and coastal sand-dunes.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly at night during July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeding on Privet and a variety of low-growing plants, the caterpillars overwinter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common in the southern half of Britain but local further north. 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 Scopula imitaria. 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 Small Blood-vein (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Blood-vein
What is Small Blood-vein?
Small Blood-vein (Scopula imitaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Blood-vein found?
Habitat: Waste ground, hedgerows and coastal sand-dunes.
When is Small Blood-vein active?
Small Blood-vein: seasonal activity - The adults fly at night during July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Small Blood-vein?
Feeding on Privet and a variety of low-growing plants, the caterpillars overwinter.