Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767
Usingeriessa onyxalis
This record describes Usingeriessa onyxalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
General coloration dark brown and the maculation is crisp and contrasting compared to U. brunnildalis . Forewings with wide dark basal area, followed by a narrow dark AM line. The median area is lighter, but heavily dusted with dark scaling, and outwardly delimited by an angular dark PM line. The broad, distinct, dark-brown subapical triangle is characteristic. It is separated from a narrow orangish dark-edged terminal band by a white wedge. The HWs are generally patterned like the FWs but with a series of five black subterminal dots separated by metallic blue patches. These subterminal spots are preceded basally by a crenulated black line. [Adapted from Munroe's description.]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Acentropinae
- Tribe
- Argyractini
- Genus
- Usingeriessa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are attracted to lights near clear-running streams.
Geographic Range
Edwards Plateau of Texas, south to Costa Rica and perhaps farther.
Seasonal Activity
Apparently two flight periods, May-August and October-November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Early stages are unknown but the genus is presumed to have life history traits similar to Parargyactis and other Acentropinae with aquatic, algae-feeding larvae. ( 3 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Usingeriessa onyxalis. 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 Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767
What is Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767?
Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767 (Usingeriessa onyxalis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767?
Forewing 7-8 mm.
How do you identify Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767?
General coloration dark brown and the maculation is crisp and contrasting compared to U. brunnildalis . Forewings with wide dark basal area, followed by a narrow dark AM line. The median area is lighter, but heavily dusted with dark scaling, and outwardly delimited by an angular dark PM line. The broad, distinct, dark-brown subapical triangle is characteristic. It is separated from a narrow orangish dark-edged terminal band by a white wedge. The HWs are generally patterned like the FWs but with a series of five black subterminal dots separated by metallic blue patches. These subterminal spots are preceded basally by a crenulated black line. [Adapted from Munroe's description.]
Where is Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults are attracted to lights near clear-running streams. |
| Range | Edwards Plateau of Texas, south to Costa Rica and perhaps farther. |
When is Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767 active?
Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767: seasonal activity - Apparently two flight periods, May-August and October-November..
What is the life cycle of a Usingeriessa onyxalis - Hodges#4767?
Early stages are unknown but the genus is presumed to have life history traits similar to Parargyactis and other Acentropinae with aquatic, algae-feeding larvae. ( 3 )