Small Phoenix
Ecliptopera silaceata
This record describes Ecliptopera silaceata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23-27 mm. There are two main forms - one where the dark central band across the forewing is broken by two brown and white lines on wing veins and then a typical form in which the band is unbroken. Both have a distinctive series of dark wedge shaped markings beyond the central band. Inhabits a range of woodland and open habitats. A double-brooded species, flying in spring from May to July and then again in August and September, except in the north where there is just one generation. The main larval foodplants are Willowherbs. Quite common in England and Wales but less so in Scotland and Ireland. 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Cidariini
- Genus
- Ecliptopera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits a range of woodland and open habitats.
Seasonal Activity
A double-brooded species, flying in spring from May to July and then again in August and September, except in the north where there is just one generation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The main larval foodplants are Willowherbs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in England and Wales but less so in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Ecliptopera silaceata. 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 Phoenix (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Phoenix
What is Small Phoenix?
Small Phoenix (Ecliptopera silaceata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Phoenix found?
Habitat: Inhabits a range of woodland and open habitats.
When is Small Phoenix active?
Small Phoenix: seasonal activity - A double-brooded species, flying in spring from May to July and then again in August and September, except in the north where there is just one generation..
What is the life cycle of a Small Phoenix?
The main larval foodplants are Willowherbs.