Winter Moth
Operophtera brumata
This record describes Operophtera brumata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 22-28 mm. The males are drab light to dark brown with a darker central forewing band (although this is sometimes indistinct) and a brownish hindwing. The females are virtually wingless. Often seen near car headlights, especially if close to trees and bushes. From late autumn through to January or February. The virtually wingless females crawl up tree-trunks to await the arrival of males. The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, as well as moorland species such as Heather. Sometimes the larvae occur in great numbers, reaching pest status and occasionally completely defoliating small trees. A common species in 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
- Operophterini
- Genus
- Operophtera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often seen near car headlights, especially if close to trees and bushes.
Seasonal Activity
From late autumn through to January or February.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The virtually wingless females crawl up tree-trunks to await the arrival of males. The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, as well as moorland species such as Heather. Sometimes the larvae occur in great numbers, reaching pest status and occasionally completely defoliating small trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species in 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 Operophtera brumata. 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 Winter Moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Moth
What is Winter Moth?
Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Winter Moth found?
Habitat: Often seen near car headlights, especially if close to trees and bushes.
When is Winter Moth active?
Winter Moth: seasonal activity - From late autumn through to January or February..
What is the life cycle of a Winter Moth?
The virtually wingless females crawl up tree-trunks to await the arrival of males. The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, as well as moorland species such as Heather. Sometimes the larvae occur in great numbers, reaching pest status and occasionally completely defoliating small trees.