Yellow-barred Brindle
Acasis viretata
This record describes Acasis viretata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-29 mm. The English name of this species refers to the colour form normally found in the wild. When freshly emerged however this species usually has a greenish colour, which does fade rapidly. Occupying woodland, suburban habitats and scrubland. The moth is found in May and June and, in the southern part of its range, again in August and September. The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of a variety of foodplants, including Holly and Ivy. The species is widely distributed, though not often common in the southern half of Britain and scarce in northern England and southern Scotland.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
- Acasis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying woodland, suburban habitats and scrubland.
Seasonal Activity
The moth is found in May and June and, in the southern part of its range, again in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of a variety of foodplants, including Holly and Ivy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widely distributed, though not often common in the southern half of Britain and scarce in northern England and southern Scotland.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 Acasis viretata. 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 Yellow-barred Brindle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-barred Brindle
What is Yellow-barred Brindle?
Yellow-barred Brindle (Acasis viretata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Yellow-barred Brindle found?
Habitat: Occupying woodland, suburban habitats and scrubland.
When is Yellow-barred Brindle active?
Yellow-barred Brindle: seasonal activity - The moth is found in May and June and, in the southern part of its range, again in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Yellow-barred Brindle?
The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of a variety of foodplants, including Holly and Ivy.