Treble Brown Spot
Idaea trigeminata
This record describes Idaea trigeminata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23 to 25 mm. Usually unmistakable. The main diagnostic feature is a dark brown outer cross band pinched in two places on an otherwise rather plain whitish forewing. Found around woodland edges and hedgerows. The adults are on the wing from late May to early July, and can be attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on Ivy, Knotgrass and other low-growing plants. Local, mainly occurring in the southern parts of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Idaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found around woodland edges and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are on the wing from late May to early July, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on Ivy, Knotgrass and other low-growing plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local, mainly occurring in the southern parts of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Idaea trigeminata. 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 Brown Spot (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Treble Brown Spot
What is Treble Brown Spot?
Treble Brown Spot (Idaea trigeminata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Treble Brown Spot found?
Habitat: Found around woodland edges and hedgerows.
When is Treble Brown Spot active?
Treble Brown Spot: seasonal activity - The adults are on the wing from late May to early July, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Treble Brown Spot?
The caterpillars feed on Ivy, Knotgrass and other low-growing plants.