Ancylis myrtillana
This record describes Ancylis myrtillana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about14 mm. Care is needed to distinguish this species from the more frequently encountered Ancylis badiana. This species is associated with moorland habitats where the larval foodplants are present. Adult moths fly from May to July, both in afternoon sunshine and from dusk onwards. The foodplants are Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bog Bilberry (V. uliginosum), the larva creating a kind of pod by spinning two leaves together. Chiefly found on high moors such as those found in northern England and Scotland, although it does also occur to some extent in low heaths in the southern counties and Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Ancylis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is associated with moorland habitats where the larval foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths fly from May to July, both in afternoon sunshine and from dusk onwards.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The foodplants are Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bog Bilberry (V. uliginosum), the larva creating a kind of pod by spinning two leaves together.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Chiefly found on high moors such as those found in northern England and Scotland, although it does also occur to some extent in low heaths in the southern counties and Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ancylis myrtillana. 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 Ancylis myrtillana (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ancylis myrtillana
What is Ancylis myrtillana?
Ancylis myrtillana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ancylis myrtillana found?
Habitat: This species is associated with moorland habitats where the larval foodplants are present.
When is Ancylis myrtillana active?
Ancylis myrtillana: seasonal activity - Adult moths fly from May to July, both in afternoon sunshine and from dusk onwards..
What is the life cycle of a Ancylis myrtillana?
The foodplants are Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bog Bilberry (V. uliginosum), the larva creating a kind of pod by spinning two leaves together.