Treble-bar
Aplocera plagiata
This record describes Aplocera plagiata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Wingspan 27-40 mm. On of our larger Geometrids, it is rather difficult to tell apart from the less common Lesser Treble-bar ( A. efformata ) , which however has a more angled inner cross-line on the forewing. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen shape should be checked - see the image at: http://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk/files/idtips/1867-treble-bar-1868-lesser-treble-bar-abdomens.jpg Calcareous grassland, heathland, moorland, woodland rides, sand-dunes and sea cliffs. In the south, there are two generations of this moth, flying in May and June, then again in August and September. In the north of England and Scotland, there is usually just one brood, flying in July and August. It is fairly common over most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Lobophorini
- Genus
- Aplocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Calcareous grassland, heathland, moorland, woodland rides, sand-dunes and sea cliffs.
Seasonal Activity
In the south, there are two generations of this moth, flying in May and June, then again in August and September. In the north of England and Scotland, there is usually just one brood, flying in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on St.John's-wort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common over most of 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 Aplocera plagiata. 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 Treble-bar (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Treble-bar
What is Treble-bar?
Treble-bar (Aplocera plagiata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Treble-bar found?
Habitat: Calcareous grassland, heathland, moorland, woodland rides, sand-dunes and sea cliffs.
When is Treble-bar active?
Treble-bar: seasonal activity - In the south, there are two generations of this moth, flying in May and June, then again in August and September. In the north of England and Scotland, there is usually just one brood, flying in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Treble-bar?
The larvae feed on St.John's-wort.