Bactra lancealana
This record describes Bactra lancealana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to 20 mm. Quite a variable species, with some individuals being almost unicolorous, others with a pale streak along the fore edge of the darker brown wing, and some with obvious darker patches on a mottled forewing. It is also very variable in size and easily confused with other Bactra species. The adults are readily attracted to light and are on the wing in two generations between May and early October. Rather common 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Olethreutini
- Genus
- Bactra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies marshes and heaths.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are readily attracted to light and are on the wing in two generations between May and early October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various rushes.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Rather common 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 Bactra lancealana. 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 Bactra lancealana (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bactra lancealana
What is Bactra lancealana?
Bactra lancealana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Bactra lancealana?
and easily confused with other Bactra species.
Where is Bactra lancealana found?
Habitat: It occupies marshes and heaths.
When is Bactra lancealana active?
Bactra lancealana: seasonal activity - The adults are readily attracted to light and are on the wing in two generations between May and early October..
What is the life cycle of a Bactra lancealana?
The larvae feed on various rushes.