Apotomis betuletana
This record describes Apotomis betuletana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. This moth is dark from the head for approximately two thirds the length of the wing, then a noticeable change to a band of slightly mottled white for the final third. Woods and woodland margins where birch occurs. The moths are on the wing from July to September, and fly from late evening into the night, when they can be attracted to light. The larvae occur in May, spinning and rolling birch leaves together. Fairly frequent and widespread throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Apotomis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woods and woodland margins where birch occurs.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing from July to September, and fly from late evening into the night, when they can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae occur in May, spinning and rolling birch leaves together.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Apotomis betuletana. 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 Apotomis betuletana (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Apotomis betuletana
What is Apotomis betuletana?
Apotomis betuletana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Apotomis betuletana?
of the wing, then a noticeable change to a band of slightly mottled white for the final third.
Where is Apotomis betuletana found?
Habitat: Woods and woodland margins where birch occurs.
When is Apotomis betuletana active?
Apotomis betuletana: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing from July to September, and fly from late evening into the night, when they can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Apotomis betuletana?
The larvae occur in May, spinning and rolling birch leaves together.