Spring Usher
Agriopis leucophaearia
This record describes Agriopis leucophaearia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23-28 mm. A very variable species, with males varying from almost black-and-white to a drab greyish and rather plain appearance. The females are wingless. Various habitats, particularly Oak woodland. The adults emerge in February and March sometimes as early as January. The females climb up tree trunks and the males fly weakly to them, also being attracted to light. This is a fairly common species in England and Wales, local in Scotland. 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
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Agriopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, particularly Oak woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in February and March sometimes as early as January. The females climb up tree trunks and the males fly weakly to them, also being attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mainly on Oak.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a fairly common species in England and Wales, local in Scotland. 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 Agriopis leucophaearia. 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 Spring Usher (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Usher
What is Spring Usher?
Spring Usher (Agriopis leucophaearia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Spring Usher found?
Habitat: Various habitats, particularly Oak woodland.
When is Spring Usher active?
Spring Usher: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in February and March sometimes as early as January. The females climb up tree trunks and the males fly weakly to them, also being attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Spring Usher?
The larvae feed mainly on Oak.