Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1
Sympistis forbesi
This record describes Sympistis forbesi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Description in PDF. Can only reliably be identified by the larva. All images of the adults, that do-not have larva or host information should be placed here: - chionanthi or forbesi
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
Habitat
Prairie Savanna, woods edge, open woodland where the host plant ( Triosteum ) grows. ( MJ Hatfield )
Geographic Range
Zacharczenko et al. includes Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Possibly larger range based on host plant range.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larvae have been found on, and reared on Triosteum species including Triosteum perfoliatum L. (feverwort) and Triosteum aurantiacum E.P. Bicknell (orangefruit horse-gentian).
Life History
Tiny larvae on emerging Triosteum shoots; Early instar larva; Older larva blending with leaf; Older larva; Adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zacharczenko et al. stated "We name the species after William T. Forbes, North America’s premier lepidopterist over a 40-year period from 1920 to 1960."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Sympistis forbesi. 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 Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by MJ Hatfield , marcie oconnor , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1
What is Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1?
Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1 (Sympistis forbesi) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1?
Zacharczenko et al. reports the forewing length. ♂ 14.5–16 mm. (n=23) ♀ 14–16.5 mm. (n=10)
How do you identify Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1?
Description in PDF. Can only reliably be identified by the larva. All images of the adults, that do-not have larva or host information should be placed here: - chionanthi or forbesi
Where is Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Prairie Savanna, woods edge, open woodland where the host plant ( Triosteum ) grows. ( MJ Hatfield ) |
| Range | Zacharczenko et al. includes Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Possibly larger range based on host plant range. |
What does Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1 eat?
The diet of the Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1 includes The larvae have been found on, and reared on Triosteum species including Triosteum perfoliatum L. (feverwort) and Triosteum aurantiacum E.P. Bicknell (orangefruit horse-gentian)..
What is the life cycle of a Sympistis forbesi - Hodges#10067.1?
Tiny larvae on emerging Triosteum shoots; Early instar larva; Older larva blending with leaf; Older larva; Adult