Antigastra catalaunalis
This record describes Antigastra catalaunalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 20 mm. An orangey-brown and white moth that bears a superficial resemblance to Nascia cilialis, but has generally narrower forewings. Probably best looked for in areas where the larval foodplant is present. Previous records suggest September to October as the best period to see this moth in Britain. Larvae feed on Antirrhinum family, Toadflax etc. A rare migrant species to this country, mainly to the southern counties. Abroad, the species occurs from southern Europe into the tropics. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spilomelinae
- Tribe
- Margaroniini
- Genus
- Antigastra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Probably best looked for in areas where the larval foodplant is present.
Seasonal Activity
Previous records suggest September to October as the best period to see this moth in Britain.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on Antirrhinum family, Toadflax etc.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rare migrant species to this country, mainly to the southern counties. Abroad, the species occurs from southern Europe into the tropics. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Antigastra catalaunalis. 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 Antigastra catalaunalis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Antigastra catalaunalis
What is Antigastra catalaunalis?
Antigastra catalaunalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Antigastra catalaunalis found?
Habitat: Probably best looked for in areas where the larval foodplant is present.
When is Antigastra catalaunalis active?
Antigastra catalaunalis: seasonal activity - Previous records suggest September to October as the best period to see this moth in Britain..
What is the life cycle of a Antigastra catalaunalis?
Larvae feed on Antirrhinum family, Toadflax etc.