6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera

We hope that you enjoy this article on 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera, because each and every one of them deserves to be appreciated. As the second largest order of all insects, moths and butterflies give us some of the most beautiful sights in Nature. Between them, there are around 180,000 different species, or about 10% of all forms of life on earth. Furthermore, they inhabit every part of the world, except Antarctica. Obviously, these 6 species barely scratch the surface of those species living in Europe. We hope this small sample gives you a thirst to know more.

Aporia crataegi

Aporia crataegi Facts

• Leading off this article about 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is one with beauty of contrast, the gorgeous Aporia crataegi.
• Firstly, this remarkably beautiful butterfly represents a large Lepidoptera. Secondly, scientists place it in the family Pieridae. This beautiful and unique insect is also one of 30 butterfly species in its genus.
• Further, this species remains by far the most common of those in its genus. It also seems to have once been common in England. However,  it mysteriously became extinct there in the early 20th century.
• In addition, there remains no explanation for the sudden disappearance from that region.  But, this mystery is not the only one surrounding it.
• That holds true because of a most curious fact. Numerous attempts to reintroduce the species to England have also met with repeated failure. An explanation for this does not yet exist, either.

Aporia crataegi Physical Description

The gorgeous Aporia crataegi attains an average wingspan of roughly 2.8 in (70 mm). Additionally, the upper portions of both wings display an incredible pattern. This consists of white with black veins in each gender.

The amazing invertebrate also displays a degree of sexual dimorphism. But in its case, it occurs in regards to both coloring and size. That’s because females typically grow slightly larger than the males.

Also, among males, the veins on the underside of the wings display black in color. Among females, however, the veins on the underside of the wings show brown in color. This makes for a striking contrast.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Pieridae
• Genus: Aporia
• Species: A. crataegi

Aporia crataegi Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the magnificent Aporia crataegi has an unusual range. It also occurs in rather scattered populations. This includes most of North America, Europe, Japan, and temperate portions of Korea and Asia.

The gorgeous insect typically inhabits areas of bush and orchards within this range. Additionally, it has a specific area it prefers. The majority of individuals seem to inhabit altitudes between 1,600-6,600 ft (500-2,000 m).

But sadly, like most Lepidoptera, the individuals of this lovely species have a short life span. Due this unfortunate fact, most typically only live for one year.

Finally, the gorgeous Aporia crataegi remains known for its rather extensive migrations.

White Ermine

White Ermine Facts

• The second of these 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is one that hides a dark secret behind its beauty, the White Ermine.
• The gorgeous White Ermine presents a few challenges for entomologists since it does not always display the same color patterns. While the wings display a white color in all individuals, the pattern of dots varies. Some individuals display numerous black dots, while others may have no dots at all.
• This seemingly delicate Lepidoptera also conceals a dangerous secret. It serves as an excellent example of how beauty often conceals danger in nature. This insect has few, if any, natural predators because its body contains relatively powerful toxins. 
• Due to its numbers and extensive range, the IUCN does not currently have a listing for it. Yet the Catalogue of Life does have a listing for it. While its numbers currently seem stable, many fear for its future, due to changing conditions within its habitat range.

White Ermine Physical Description

The beautiful White Ermine is a rather moderate-sized species of moth. Individuals attain an average wingspan of between 1.3 and 1.9 in (34-48 mm). While many moths display some degree of sexual dimorphism, it does not.

The wings display a milky white color, yet individuals vary greatly in other ways. The most noteworthy difference between individuals remains the presence of black dots. Most individuals present many, but others present few, or even none at all.

The antennae form yet another trait which sets this specimen apart from many other moths. That’s because, in its case, these attain much greater lengths relative to body size.

However, its beauty conceals a dark secret. The bodies of this species create relatively strong toxins, so it has few natural predators.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Erebidae
• Genus: Spilosoma
• Species: S. lubricipeda

White Ermine Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The lovely White Ermine has a wide, yet specific, habitat range. That’s because it only inhabits the temperate zone of Eurasia. This range extends from Europe through southern Siberia and Kazakhstan to China, Korea, and Japan.

But within that range, it has adapted to several types of habitats. These include hedgerows, heathland, moors, forests, and even gardens. This species typically flies between May and September, depending on the precise area.

In addition, the larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, most typically herbaceous ones. These naturally vary between regions. Due to the presence of toxins in its body, the species has few natural predators.

Though the species still appears rather numerous, many people fear for its future. Like many invertebrates, it remains especially vulnerable to climate change.

Turnip Moth

Turnip Moth Facts

• The third entry out of our 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is one that, regrettably, remains quite controversial, the Turnip Moth.
• This occasionally unwelcome moth forms a Lepidoptera in the family of Noctuidae. This insect species developed as endemic to one portion of the world. However, through international trade, it has now become common in other portions as well.
• This tiny Lepidoptera also represents a particular variety of cutworm. Within most of its range of habitation, it now constitutes a threat to crops. This unfortunate fact qualifies it as an invasive species.
• Further, the larvae of this particular species remain rather famous among scientists. This holds true due to its quite voracious appetite. The moth will also feed on a wide variety of plants.
• Finally, since its larval form has come to be viewed as a destructive pest, steps have been taken. Many methods of biological control have been attempted, with varying degrees of success.

Turnip Moth Physical Description

Most notably, both the size and color patterns of the Turnip Moth vary significantly among individuals. Therefore, the species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Hence the occasional mistaking of different genders for different species.

Further, the females present forewings colored dark gray, brown, or black. Also, the hindwings show gray. Yet, in contrast, the forewings of males remain much lighter, while the hind wings show whitish or light gray.

In addition, body length for this invertebrate averages about 0.85 in (22 mm). Its wingspan, however, typically reaches as much as 1.7 in (45 mm).

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Noctuidae
• Genus: Agrotis
• Species: A. segutum

Turnip Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The lovely but destructive Turnip Moth evolved as native to a wide swathe of Europe. However, international trade has led to its also becoming entrenched in both Asia and Africa as well.

Additionally, it frequently inhabits a rather wide variety of habitats within its native range. These habitats not include farmland, parks, and gardens, but also forests, and even some areas of sand dunes.

The rather voracious larva feeds on a wide variety of plants. In this, it follows the habit of most related species. However, its preferred food includes cotton, tomato, corn, legumes, sugar beets, and tobacco.

The larvae feed on the entire plant, from the leaves to the roots, thereby destroying everything. Thus, most farmers in the regions it inhabits consider it not only invasive, but harmful, as well.

Finally, once the species reaches adulthood, its lifespan typically measures 25 days.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Facts

• Our next choice of 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is the absolutely stunning one known as the Hummingbird Hawk Moth.
• Many consider the Hummingbird Hawk Moth to be a beautiful and rather remarkable insect. Its mimicry of a hummingbird represents an excellent example of convergent evolution. It also skillfully imitates hummingbirds so well that it actually hovers in mid-air while feeding.
• In addition, this species flies throughout the entire day, unlike most other moths. The great majority of moths fly only at dawn and dusk. Furthermore, this incredible moth will also fly in the rain.
• This lovely Lepidoptera also continues to thrive across its entire endemic range. Quite sadly, many others continue to disappear rapidly. But its numbers actually seem to be increasing in some regions.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Physical Description

First of all, the Hummingbird Hawk Moth has a rather medium-sized wingspan for a moth. That’s because its wings average slightly less than 1.8 in (4.6 cm) across. But, unlike many of its kind, it shows no sexual dimorphism.

The forewings typically show brown and are crisscrossed by thin black lines. But the hind wings usually show orange and display a black edge. The wings grow medium-sized, yet the body remains proportionately larger than related species.

Also, the proboscis is extremely elongated (again mimicking the hummingbird) because of the adaptations. The Hummingbird Hawk Moth also possesses a short tail tipped with numerous soft, brush-like bristles.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Sphingidae
• Genus: Macroglossum
• Species: M. stellatarum

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the Hummingbird Hawk Moth possesses a rather wide distribution across Asia, Africa, and also Northern Europe. Most are very strong fliers and may be found virtually anywhere in the hemisphere during the summer.

Further, this amazing invertebrate species evolved as quite adaptable. Due to this, it often inhabits a wide variety of habitats. These include such regions as forests, meadows, gardens, and parks.

Most unfortunately for its fans, it also has a short lifespan. because of this trait, it breeds quickly. Therefore, anywhere from 2-4 generations are born in a single season. This often depends on the region, as well.

The adults feed exclusively on nectar from plants such as the Red Valerian and Honeysuckle. The species itself, however, has few natural predators. This mainly holds true due to its incredible camouflage.

Purple Emperor

Purple Emperor Facts

• The fifth creature in the compendium of 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is true royalty, the Purple Emperor.
• Firstly, the Purple Emperor is a gorgeous Eurasian butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. Rather confusingly, however, another butterfly native to another region bears the same common name.
• Throughout its habitat range, its numbers have declined sharply since the early 20th century. The principal reason for this appears to be habitat loss. But, climate change also seems to be a factor in this.
• However, its population appears to be relatively stable for the moment. Therefore, the IUCN currently lists the beautiful Lepidoptera as Least Concern. Thankfully, conservation efforts are in place across much of its range.

Purple Emperor Physical Description

Most notably, the magnificent Purple Emperor, like many related species, displays a slight degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this occurs because the females grow to a slightly larger size than the males.

As a result of this genetic trait, the smaller males attain an average adult wingspan of about 3.1 in (7.9 cm). Meanwhile, the somewhat larger females attain an average wingspan of roughly 3.6 in (9.2 cm).

Furthermore, the adults of this particular arthropod have dark brown wings with white bands and spots. In addition, numerous small orange rings typically appear on each of the hindwings.

But, one small physical distinction also separates the males from the females. While a little smaller in size, the wings of the males usually display an almost iridescent purple sheen that the females lack.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Nymphalidae
• Genus: Apatura
• Species: A. iris

Purple Emperor Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the fabulous Purple Emperor butterfly has a rather wide area of distribution. This region includes southern Great Britain, and suitably temperate parts of Asia. This region extends to central and western China.

Further, this invertebrate has a highly specific type of habitat that it seeks out. It rarely occurs outside of this type of area. Most notably, this preference consists of dense, broad-leaved woodlands, especially in central Europe. 

The females of the Purple Emperor species spend most of their lives in the tree canopy. There, they seem to favor dense and mature oak forests. These only come down only to lay eggs in the small bushes that grow in clearings.

Males also spend much of the time in the treetops. There it fiercely defends its territory from rivals. However, it will sometimes descend to drink from puddles or feed.

Finally, distinctly different from most butterflies, it does not feed on flowers. Instead, it feeds primarily on the honeydew secreted by aphids. Yet it will also feed on sap oozing from oak trees, on dung, urine and animal carcasses.

Elephant Hawk Moth

Elephant Hawk Moth Facts

• Our sixth and final, but certainly not least, of these 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera is the surprising important Elephant Hawk Moth.
• Firstly, the breathtaking Elephant Hawk Moth is a variety of Lepidoptera with an extensive range. Further, within that range, this incredible insect plays a key environmental role.
• The spectacular invertebrate also remains known for possessing extraordinary night vision. That’s because its eyes include two different kinds of compound units which contain nine light-sensitive cells.
• Further, it has evolved yet another astounding ability. The adult also has the capability to make color discrimination at night-time levels of illumination. Very few species can make that claim.
• Finally, and quite fortunately, it appears to be maintaining a stable population throughout its endemic range. For the moment, the IUCN does not yet have a classification status for it.

Elephant Hawk Moth Physical Description

First of all, the Gorgeous Elephant Hawk Moth, unlike many related creatures, displays no appreciable difference between the genders. Physical variations between the genders do occur, but usually remain too small to notice.

Typically, a mature individual has a wingspan 2-2.8 in (50-70 mm). It also remains spectacularly colored. In fact, the gorgeous insect seems to shimmer with green and red when in motion. 

In addition, the thorax and head developed as segmented. This section also develops as rather slender compared to the rest of its body. Finally, its legs also stay extremely thin and colored bright white. 

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Euarthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Sphingidae
• Genus: Deilephila
• Species: D. elpenor

Elephant Hawk Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The  stunning Elephant Hawk Moth is a species of insect found throughout an extensive area. This includes much of Ireland and Great Britain, as well as much of Europe, Russia, and into China.

It may also be present in northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, Korea, and Japan. In addition, introduced specimens of the Elephant Hawk Moth even live in British Columbia, Canada, in North America.

Furthermore, in most of its native range, the adults appear from May to July. Additionally, it quite often appears in urban settings in the evening, often feeding in parks and even home gardens.

Also, the caterpillars live from July to September, at which time when these usually pupate. The remarkable arthropod will also sometimes produce two broods in a year. This provides it a distinct advantage over some species.

Finally the adult moth primarily feeds at night in the wild, yet modifies that in urban areas. But, like many types of moth, it has preferred food sources. Thus, it often takes nectar from garden plants like honeysuckle and petunias.

We sincerely hope that you have enjoyed learning about these 6 Fabulous European Lepidoptera. These, and the countless thousands of other related species never cease to amaze us with their beauty and variety. But many of them, like so many other forms of life in the world today, find themselves in dire peril. Many factors threaten their continued existence, and it is up to us to prevent their tragic loss. Let us take every measure we can to preserve them for our posterity to enjoy, just as we do.

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