Small Rivulet
Perizoma alchemillata
This record describes Perizoma alchemillata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14-18 mm. Rather similar in appearance to The Rivulet ( P. affiniata ), it can usually be distinguished by the double indentation on the white band of the forewing which is normally single in affiniata . It is also generally slightly smaller. It occurs in a range of woodland and open areas. The larvae feed mainly inside the seed capsules and on the flowers of Hemp-nettle. Generally distributed in Britain and usually common. 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
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Perizoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occurs in a range of woodland and open areas.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly inside the seed capsules and on the flowers of Hemp-nettle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Generally distributed in Britain and usually common. 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 Perizoma alchemillata. 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 Rivulet (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Rivulet
What is Small Rivulet?
Small Rivulet (Perizoma alchemillata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Rivulet found?
Habitat: It occurs in a range of woodland and open areas.
When is Small Rivulet active?
Small Rivulet: seasonal activity - On the wing in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Small Rivulet?
The larvae feed mainly inside the seed capsules and on the flowers of Hemp-nettle.