V-Moth
Macaria wauaria
This record describes Macaria wauaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It favours gardens, allotments and other cultivated areas where fruit bushes are grown. The adults, which come to light, are on the wing in July and August. The caterpillars feed on a number of Ribes species, including red and black currant and gooseberry. This species appears to be on the decline, but is still widely distributed in much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Macariini
- Genus
- Macaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It favours gardens, allotments and other cultivated areas where fruit bushes are grown.
Seasonal Activity
The adults, which come to light, are on the wing in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a number of Ribes species, including red and black currant and gooseberry.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species appears to be on the decline, but is still widely distributed in much of Britain. 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 Macaria wauaria. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About V-Moth
What is V-Moth?
V-Moth (Macaria wauaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is V-Moth found?
Habitat: It favours gardens, allotments and other cultivated areas where fruit bushes are grown.
When is V-Moth active?
V-Moth: seasonal activity - The adults, which come to light, are on the wing in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a V-Moth?
The caterpillars feed on a number of Ribes species, including red and black currant and gooseberry.