Small Brindled Beauty
Apocheima hispidaria
This record describes Apocheima hispidaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 35 mm. The males of this species are quite variable, with some individuals having a darker central band, others more uniformly coloured. The females are wingless and generally brownish in colour. In the males, the small size and yellow antennae help to distinguish it from the more common Pale Brindled Beauty. Well wooded areas especially those containing the foodplants. An early spring species, the adults are out in February and March, when the males come to light, and the females may be found on the trunks of trees. The main foodplant is Oak occasionally other trees such as Hazel and Elm. Reasonably common in southern England and Wales, it can be found locally as far north as Yorkshire. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Apocheima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas especially those containing the foodplants.
Seasonal Activity
An early spring species, the adults are out in February and March, when the males come to light, and the females may be found on the trunks of trees.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The main foodplant is Oak occasionally other trees such as Hazel and Elm.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably common in southern England and Wales, it can be found locally as far north as Yorkshire. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Apocheima hispidaria. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Brindled Beauty
What is Small Brindled Beauty?
Small Brindled Beauty (Apocheima hispidaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Brindled Beauty found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas especially those containing the foodplants.
When is Small Brindled Beauty active?
Small Brindled Beauty: seasonal activity - An early spring species, the adults are out in February and March, when the males come to light, and the females may be found on the trunks of trees..
What is the life cycle of a Small Brindled Beauty?
The main foodplant is Oak occasionally other trees such as Hazel and Elm.