LepidopteraNoctuidae – Owlet Moths

Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148

Tarache lucasi

This record describes Tarache lucasi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - Tarache lucasi
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Noctuoidea
Family
Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
Subfamily
Acontiinae
Tribe
Acontiini
Genus
Tarache

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Western Texas to southern California.

Seasonal Activity

The adults are most common from June to September. ( 3 )

Diet and Behavior

Diet: BugGuide record of larva on mallow.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Named for Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where it was first collected.

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Tarache lucasi. 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 Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 (5)

Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy
Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy
Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - photo 3
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy
Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - photo 4
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy
Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 - photo 5
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148

How big is Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148?

The forewing length averages 10-12 mm.

Where is Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 found?

Range: Western Texas to southern California.

What does Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 eat?

The diet of the Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 includes BugGuide record of larva on mallow..

When is Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148 active?

Tarache lucasi - Hodges#9148: seasonal activity - The adults are most common from June to September. ( 3 ).

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chris Grinter , Randy Hardy. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.