Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751
Thaumatographa jonesi
This record describes Thaumatographa jonesi (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The striking color pattern is the primary diagnostic character for this species, especially its infusion of red and orange. Related species are much duller. 1 Like other moths in subfamily Chlidanotinae, T. jonesi is a day-flyer. Biographic link for Dr. Jones updated 5/9/25, as old reference was obsolete.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Chlidanotinae
- Genus
- Thaumatographa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Have been collected near pine forests (Hepner 1982)
Geographic Range
e. US (LA-FL-MA-OH) - Map (MPG)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Nov.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plant records for T. jonesi , as well as other moths in the tribe Hilarographini, are rare and usually weird (see Heppner, 1982). Other Thaumatographa species have been reared from the cambium of Pinus . 1
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of Dr. Frank Morton Jones (1869-1962), well known for his work on Psychidae, and collector of some of the first specimens.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Thaumatographa jonesi. 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 Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , Robert Lord Zimlich , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751
What is Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751?
Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 (Thaumatographa jonesi) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751?
Wingspan 12-14 mm.
How do you identify Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751?
The striking color pattern is the primary diagnostic character for this species, especially its infusion of red and orange. Related species are much duller. 1
Where is Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Have been collected near pine forests (Hepner 1982) |
| Range | e. US (LA-FL-MA-OH) - Map (MPG) |
What does Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 eat?
The diet of the Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 includes Host plant records for T. jonesi , as well as other moths in the tribe Hilarographini, are rare and usually weird (see Heppner, 1982). Other Thaumatographa species have been reared from the cambium of Pinus . 1.
When is Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751 active?
Psychedelic Jones Moth - Hodges#3751: seasonal activity - Jun-Nov..