Small Purple-barred
Phytometra viridaria
This record describes Phytometra viridaria (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 20 mm. An attractive species with broad pinky-purple bars on the wings It frequents acid heathland, chalky downland and open woodland. A mainly diurnal species, flying in May to July, it also flies after dark, when it is attracted to light. The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of Common Milkwort and Heath Milkwort. Most common in the south of England, occurring locally elsewhere to northern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Phytometra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents acid heathland, chalky downland and open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
A mainly diurnal species, flying in May to July, it also flies after dark, when it is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of Common Milkwort and Heath Milkwort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most common in the south of England, occurring locally elsewhere to northern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phytometra viridaria. 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 Purple-barred
What is Small Purple-barred?
Small Purple-barred (Phytometra viridaria) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Purple-barred found?
Habitat: It frequents acid heathland, chalky downland and open woodland.
When is Small Purple-barred active?
Small Purple-barred: seasonal activity - A mainly diurnal species, flying in May to July, it also flies after dark, when it is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Small Purple-barred?
The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of Common Milkwort and Heath Milkwort.