Assara terebrella
This record describes Assara terebrella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 21 to 24 mm. Showing conspicuous whitish markings and cross-lines on a reddish-brown ground colour, this moth is not too difficult to identify although both light coloured and darker coloured specimens do occur. This moth can be found in spruce plantations and other areas where Norway spruce occurs. The larvae feed inside the cones of Norway spruce (Picea abies), causing them to become distorted and stunted. Mainly confined to the south of England, and very local. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Assara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This moth can be found in spruce plantations and other areas where Norway spruce occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Flies between June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed inside the cones of Norway spruce (Picea abies), causing them to become distorted and stunted.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly confined to the south of England, and very local. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Assara terebrella. 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 Assara terebrella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Assara terebrella
What is Assara terebrella?
Assara terebrella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Assara terebrella found?
Habitat: This moth can be found in spruce plantations and other areas where Norway spruce occurs.
When is Assara terebrella active?
Assara terebrella: seasonal activity - Flies between June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Assara terebrella?
The larvae feed inside the cones of Norway spruce (Picea abies), causing them to become distorted and stunted.