Small Tolype - Hodges#7674
Tolype notialis
This record describes Tolype notialis (species). Recorded family: Lasiocampidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: wide dark band on hindwing is wavy, almost interrupted, compared to uniform band of Large Tolype. Forewing subterminal band also wavy, with alternating pinched and expanded sections. Small Tolype coloration is variable, but often very dark, compared to the more uniform gray of Large Tolype.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Lasiocampoidea
- Family
- Lasiocampidae (Tent Caterpillar and Lappet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Poecilocampinae
- Genus
- Tolype
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Presumably southern Pine forests.
Geographic Range
Southeastern US, from Florida to Virginia (based on the fascicle). Many northern records online are likely misidentified T. laricis.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly mostly May-October ( MPG )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on leaves of coniferous trees.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tolype notialis Franclemont, 1973
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Tolype notialis. 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 Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Tony-2 , Mike Quinn , dennepj10
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Tolype - Hodges#7674
What is Small Tolype - Hodges#7674?
Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 (Tolype notialis) is a species in the family Lasiocampidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Small Tolype - Hodges#7674?
Wingspan 26-39 mm ; male considerably smaller than female
How do you identify Small Tolype - Hodges#7674?
Adult: wide dark band on hindwing is wavy, almost interrupted, compared to uniform band of Large Tolype. Forewing subterminal band also wavy, with alternating pinched and expanded sections. Small Tolype coloration is variable, but often very dark, compared to the more uniform gray of Large Tolype.
Where is Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Presumably southern Pine forests. |
| Range | Southeastern US, from Florida to Virginia (based on the fascicle). Many northern records online are likely misidentified T. laricis. |
What does Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 eat?
The diet of the Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 includes Larvae feed on leaves of coniferous trees..
When is Small Tolype - Hodges#7674 active?
Small Tolype - Hodges#7674: seasonal activity - Adults fly mostly May-October ( MPG ).