LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2

Sympistis buchis

This record describes Sympistis buchis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 - Sympistis buchis
Contributed by Steve Morris

Description can be found in Troubridge at link in citations below ($15 fee, but well worth the cost).

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Oncocnemidinae
Genus
Sympistis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

southern Utah, western Colorado to northeast Arizona

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Sympistis buchis. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 (2)

Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 - photo 1
Contributed by Steve Morris
Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 - photo 2
Contributed by Steve Morris

Photo credits: Contributed by Steve Morris

Frequently Asked Questions About Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2

What is Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2?

Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 (Sympistis buchis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2?

forewing length 12-14 mm

How do you identify Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2?

Description can be found in Troubridge at link in citations below ($15 fee, but well worth the cost).

Where is Sympistis buchis - Hodges#10102.2 found?

Range: southern Utah, western Colorado to northeast Arizona

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Steve Morris. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.