Lepidoptera

The study of a class of Insects known to humans as Moths and Butterflies. An excellent starting place for those who want to develop their interest in Wildlife beyond the 'curious'. There are nearly 3000 species of Moths and Butterflies in the UK alone - enough variety to keep most people occupied with the study for a long time.

In the Tree of Life, the order of Lepidoptera is located in the:

• Kingdom Of Animalia (Animals)
  • Phylum Arthropoda (Crustaceans, Insects, Spiders and relatives)
    • Class Insecta (Insects)
      • Subclass Pterygota (Winged insects)
        • Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

There are a number of Suborders of Lepidoptera, for example:

• Microlepidoptera (Small Moths)
• Macrolepidoptera (Large Moths)
• Papilionoidea (Butterflies)

Distinct families of Moths (and Butterflies) then exist within these Suborders. Being able to recognise the characteristics of these families will help make identification much easier.

The two largest families of Macrolepidoptera (in the UK) are:

• Noctuidae - very simplistically, these moths generally have their forewings overlapping their hindwings and laid back over the abdomen. Mainly night flying moths (as suggested by the name).
• Geometridae - these moths typically rest with their forewings open and which may or may not cover the hind wings.

Noctuidae	Geometridae
Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx The forewings are laid back over the abdomen and totally cover the hind wings. Most Noctuidae are fairly drab (or camouflaged) in appearance, however, the hind wing, which is normally only visible in flight may be highly coloured.	Riband wave Idaea aversata As can be seen from this moth at rest, the Wings are fully open, the hind wings are clearly visible. Any patterns or lines on the wings continue across the moth forming a cohesive pattern.

Daily or Random jottings will be placed in Moth Trap Diaries blog pages.

Updated2009-12-16