LepidopteraGeometridae – Geometrid Moths

Thera latens - Hodges#7220

Thera latens

This record describes Thera latens (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - Thera latens
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Barnes & McDunnough (1917) original description is available in the print references.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Geometroidea
Family
Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
Subfamily
Larentiinae
Tribe
Hydriomenini
Genus
Thera

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Arizona and Colorado to British Columbia. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

Seasonal Activity

Adults are most often reported from July and August.

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Thera latens. 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 Thera latens - Hodges#7220 (5)

Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - photo 3
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - photo 4
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Thera latens - Hodges#7220 - photo 5
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Frequently Asked Questions About Thera latens - Hodges#7220

What is Thera latens - Hodges#7220?

Thera latens - Hodges#7220 (Thera latens) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Thera latens - Hodges#7220?

Barnes & McDunnough listed the wingspan 26-28 mm.

How do you identify Thera latens - Hodges#7220?

Barnes & McDunnough (1917) original description is available in the print references.

Where is Thera latens - Hodges#7220 found?

Range: Arizona and Colorado to British Columbia. Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

When is Thera latens - Hodges#7220 active?

Thera latens - Hodges#7220: seasonal activity - Adults are most often reported from July and August..

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.