The Chevron
Eulithis testata
This record describes Eulithis testata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25 to 35 mm. Quite a variable species, this moth displays colour forms from yellowish through to fairly dark brown. It inhabits moorland habitats as well as sandy and woodland areas. The adults fly in July and August in a single generation. The larval foodplants are Willow, Aspen and Birch. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. This species has declined in our area with few recent records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Hydriomenini
- Genus
- Eulithis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits moorland habitats as well as sandy and woodland areas.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in July and August in a single generation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are Willow, Aspen and Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eulithis testata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Chevron
What is The Chevron?
The Chevron (Eulithis testata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Chevron found?
Habitat: It inhabits moorland habitats as well as sandy and woodland areas.
When is The Chevron active?
The Chevron: seasonal activity - The adults fly in July and August in a single generation..
What is the life cycle of a The Chevron?
The larval foodplants are Willow, Aspen and Birch.