Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940
Syngrapha abstrusa
This record describes Syngrapha abstrusa (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Syngrapha abstrusa , alias , cryptica and rectangula cannot be reliably separated using DNA barcoding, PLoS ONE 12(6): e0178548; Supplementary Table S8 ( 3 ) . Examiantion of genitalia is usually required. ... In general, abstrusa is a little smaller than alias , the central silver spots usually are separated, the pattern seems more reticulated than in alias and the pale areas have a slight violet tint, whereas alias averages larger, the silver spots usually are fused, and often there is a brownish patch in the medial area just beyond and below the silver patch. The male genitalia are different and the differences can often be seen without dissection if the two valves are a little protruding, or separated slightly, so you can brush away the scales and look between the valves. The long clasper almost reached the dorsal margin of the valve, whereas in alias it is hard to find because if your brushing the tails because it's so small. Also the end of the valve is more foot-shaped with a tiny neck so it often breaks when you brush the tails, unlike in abstrusa . - C. Schmidt & D. Lafonataine (pers. comm., 03/5/2018) female+genitalia see Remarks under Syngrapha ( 4 ) for separating abstrusa from similar species, based on genitalia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Plusiinae
- Tribe
- Plusiini
- Genus
- Syngrapha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
E.H. Strickland Museum reports dry coniferous forests.
Geographic Range
Eichlin & Cunningham reported Ontario, Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Wisconsin. E.H. Strickland Museum reportes south through the Rockies to northern New Mexico. In the east south to New Jersey and Ohio.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: E.H. Strickland Museum states the larvae have been reared on Englemann spruce ( Picea englemanni ), White spruce ( Picea glauca ) and Jack pine ( Pinus banksiana ). Adults nectar at fireweed.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Syngrapha abstrusa. 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 Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Tony-2 , Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy , JoAnneRusso
Frequently Asked Questions About Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940
What is Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940?
Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940 (Syngrapha abstrusa) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940?
Eichlin & Cunningham listed the forewing length 13-15 mm.
How do you identify Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940?
Syngrapha abstrusa , alias , cryptica and rectangula cannot be reliably separated using DNA barcoding, PLoS ONE 12(6): e0178548; Supplementary Table S8 ( 3 ) . Examiantion of genitalia is usually required. ... In general, abstrusa is a little smaller than alias , the central silver spots usually are separated, the pattern seems more reticulated than in alias and the pale areas have a slight violet tint, whereas alias averages larger, the silver spots usually are fused, and often there is a brownish patch in the medial area just beyond and below the silver patch. The male genitalia are different and the differences can often be seen without dissection if the two valves are a little protruding, or separated slightly, so you can brush away the scales and look between the valves. The long clasper almost reached the dorsal margin of the valve, whereas in alias it is hard to find because if your brushing the tails because it's so small. Also the end of the valve is more foot-shaped with a tiny neck so it often breaks when you brush the tails, unlike in abstrusa . - C. Schmidt & D. Lafonataine (pers. comm., 03/5/2018) female+genitalia see Remarks under Syngrapha ( 4 ) for separating abstrusa from similar species, based on genitalia.
Where is Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | E.H. Strickland Museum reports dry coniferous forests. |
| Range | Eichlin & Cunningham reported Ontario, Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Wisconsin. E.H. Strickland Museum reportes south through the Rockies to northern New Mexico. In the east south to New Jersey and Ohio. |
What does Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940 eat?
The diet of the Syngrapha abstrusa - Hodges#8940 includes E.H. Strickland Museum states the larvae have been reared on Englemann spruce ( Picea englemanni ), White spruce ( Picea glauca ) and Jack pine ( Pinus banksiana ). Adults nectar at fireweed..