Acrobasis repandana
This record describes Acrobasis repandana (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20 to 25 mm. One of the more colourful of the Pyralids. Flying in July and August, the adults can be attracted to light, but during the day remain concealed amongst the foliage. The larvae feed on oak, often high up in a tree, spinning together several leaves. This species can be common in suitable habitat throughout England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Acrobasis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around oak.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in July and August, the adults can be attracted to light, but during the day remain concealed amongst the foliage.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on oak, often high up in a tree, spinning together several leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species can be common in suitable habitat throughout England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acrobasis repandana. 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 Acrobasis repandana (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Acrobasis repandana
What is Acrobasis repandana?
Acrobasis repandana is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Acrobasis repandana found?
Habitat: Around oak.
When is Acrobasis repandana active?
Acrobasis repandana: seasonal activity - Flying in July and August, the adults can be attracted to light, but during the day remain concealed amongst the foliage..
What is the life cycle of a Acrobasis repandana?
The larvae feed on oak, often high up in a tree, spinning together several leaves.