Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903
Barbara colfaxiana
This record describes Barbara colfaxiana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The original description as Evetria colfaxiana Kearfott, is available online in the print references below. The Heinrich revised description of Barbara colfaxiana (Kearfott) is available in PDF or read online in the print references below. Powell & Opler described the adults as variable in size and pattern. There are many websites with information on the pest status of Barbara colfaxiana . Listed as Barbara colfaciana on the California checklist. Burks & Krombein listed Barbara colfaxiana as a host for the Braconid Wasp Cotesia petrovae [ Apanteles petrovae ].
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Barbara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Montane.
Geographic Range
British Columbia, California, Arizona and Mexico. There is also a northeastern population. ( 5 ) Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Seasonal Activity
Powell & Opler (2009) reported adults from April to September, with the peak flight from June to July. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on the cones of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), and Abies (true fir) sp. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet from type location, Colfax, Placer County, California.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Barbara colfaxiana. 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 Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903
What is Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903?
Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 (Barbara colfaxiana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903?
Forewing length 7.5-11 mm. ( 4 )
How do you identify Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903?
The original description as Evetria colfaxiana Kearfott, is available online in the print references below. The Heinrich revised description of Barbara colfaxiana (Kearfott) is available in PDF or read online in the print references below. Powell & Opler described the adults as variable in size and pattern.
Where is Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Montane. |
| Range | British Columbia, California, Arizona and Mexico. There is also a northeastern population. ( 5 ) Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data. |
What does Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 eat?
The diet of the Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 includes Larvae feed on the cones of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), and Abies (true fir) sp. ( 4 ).
When is Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903 active?
Douglas-Fir Cone Moth - Hodges#2903: seasonal activity - Powell & Opler (2009) reported adults from April to September, with the peak flight from June to July. ( 4 ).