The Streamer
Anticlea derivata
This record describes Anticlea derivata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30 to 34 mm. A pretty and distinctive moth with strong brown markings and wings showing a tint of dusky pink. Woodland edges, hedgerows and similar bushy places. Found quite early in the season, flying in April and May. The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Dog-rose ( Rosa canina ). Widespread and fairly common throughout Britain, but more common in the south. 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
- Anticlea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland edges, hedgerows and similar bushy places.
Seasonal Activity
Found quite early in the season, flying in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Dog-rose (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common throughout Britain, but more common in the south. 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 Anticlea derivata. 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 The Streamer (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Streamer
What is The Streamer?
The Streamer (Anticlea derivata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Streamer found?
Habitat: Woodland edges, hedgerows and similar bushy places.
When is The Streamer active?
The Streamer: seasonal activity - Found quite early in the season, flying in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a The Streamer?
The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Dog-rose (