Swallow-tailed Moth
Ourapteryx sambucaria
This record describes Ourapteryx sambucaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40 to 50 mm. A spectacular species and one of our largest Geometrids . The wings are pale yellow marked with darker lines. Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Being strictly nocturnal and having quite a short emergence period from late june and throughout July, it is not often encountered by the non-enthusiast. There is occasionally a second brood when conditions are favourable. The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but prefer Ivy. Reasonably common in Britain, except for northern Scotland where it is local or absent. 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
- Ourapteryx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Being strictly nocturnal and having quite a short emergence period from late june and throughout July, it is not often encountered by the non-enthusiast. There is occasionally a second brood when conditions are favourable.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but prefer Ivy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably common in Britain, except for northern Scotland where it is local or absent. 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 Ourapteryx sambucaria. 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 Swallow-tailed Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Swallow-tailed Moth
What is Swallow-tailed Moth?
Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Swallow-tailed Moth found?
Habitat: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens.
When is Swallow-tailed Moth active?
Swallow-tailed Moth: seasonal activity - Being strictly nocturnal and having quite a short emergence period from late june and throughout July, it is not often encountered by the non-enthusiast. There is occasionally a second brood when conditions are favourable..
What is the life cycle of a Swallow-tailed Moth?
The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but prefer Ivy.