Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219
Trichocosmia inornata
This record describes Trichocosmia inornata (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: forewing uniformly pale yellowish except for faint whitish subterminal line and very slightly darker shading in subterminal/postmedial area; hindwing white; top of head and thorax same color as forewing. Usually the forewing markings are faint but can be well developed as in this individual. These more maculate forms were formerly referred to as Trichocosmia drasteroides. ( 3 ) Specimen identified by DNA analysis: The type specimens (a total of 6 males and females) were collected in Arizona.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Hadenini
- Genus
- Trichocosmia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas ( 4 ) to California and Utah ( 5 ) . ( 6 )
Seasonal Activity
The main flight period is March to September with some flying earlier.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Trichocosmia inornata. 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 Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Maury Heiman , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219
What is Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219?
Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219 (Trichocosmia inornata) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219?
Wingspan about 25 mm, based on photo by Bruce Walsh from Arizona
How do you identify Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219?
Adult: forewing uniformly pale yellowish except for faint whitish subterminal line and very slightly darker shading in subterminal/postmedial area; hindwing white; top of head and thorax same color as forewing. Usually the forewing markings are faint but can be well developed as in this individual. These more maculate forms were formerly referred to as Trichocosmia drasteroides. ( 3 ) Specimen identified by DNA analysis:
Where is Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219 found?
Range: Texas ( 4 ) to California and Utah ( 5 ) . ( 6 )
When is Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219 active?
Trichocosmia inornata - Hodges#10219: seasonal activity - The main flight period is March to September with some flying earlier..