Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2
Spaelotis unicava
This record describes Spaelotis unicava (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 (Spaelotis unicava) is a species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Noctuini, superfamily Noctuoidea. This species belongs to the genus Spaelotis. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Forewing length 17-20 mm.. It is found in Found in dry forest and desert habitats.. Active during Adults are most common from April to September..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Spaelotis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in dry forest and desert habitats. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
California ( 4 ) and Arizona to Montana and British Columbia. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some collection locations and dates.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are most common from April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: One known larval host is Coleogyne ramosissima Torr. (blackbrush) ( 3 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Spaelotis unicava. 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 Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2
What is Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2?
Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 (Spaelotis unicava) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2?
Forewing length 17-20 mm.
Where is Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in dry forest and desert habitats. ( 3 ) |
| Range | California ( 4 ) and Arizona to Montana and British Columbia. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some collection locations and dates. |
What does Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 eat?
The diet of the Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 includes One known larval host is Coleogyne ramosissima Torr. (blackbrush) ( 3 ).
When is Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2 active?
Spaelotis unicava - Hodges#10926.2: seasonal activity - Adults are most common from April to September..