Orange Underwing Moth (Archiearis parthenias)
The orange underwing moth is a member of the geometer moth family, first described by Swedish entomologist Carl Linnaeus in 1761. They get their name because of the orange pattern on their underwing or hindwing, that appears to be one of their distinguishing features. In fact when in flight the entire moth seems orange from a distant, though their forewings have a different coloration.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Geometridae
- Genus: Archiearis
- Scientific Name: Archiearisparthenias
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The caterpillars are green.
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Pupa
Once mature, the larva undergoes pupation.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewings: When the wings are opened, they are blackish-brown with white markings. When the wings are closed, the color and patterns remain unchanged.
Hindwings: When the wings are opened, they are bright orange with black markings. When the wings are closed, the orangish color is only slightly visible.
Average wingspan: 30–40 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: February to May
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Egg
Adults lay their eggs either close to the host plants or on the soil.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | Europe, Russia, and Japan |
| Habitat | Anywhere with mature birch trees, primarily heathland and woodland |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Birch trees, mainly downy and silver birch |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- These moths are often confused with the light orange underwing moth due to the similarity in color and pattern, but the latter prefers aspen as a host plant instead of birch.
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butterfly-conservation.org
Scientific Classification
- Family: Geometridae
- Genus: Archiearis
- Scientific Name: Archiearisparthenias
