Batia lunaris
This record describes Batia lunaris (species). Recorded family: Oecophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 7-10 mm. This moth is tiny but colourful. It is very similar to B. lambdella in appearance although the latter is generally larger. Generally occurs in woodland habitats and other well wooded areas. The moth flies in July and August. It is mainly nocturnal in habits and is attracted to light. The larvae of most Batia species feed under the bark of various trees, possibly on fungi or decaying wood. This species is fairly frequent throughout most of England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Batia lunaris: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batia lunaris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Oecophoridae (Concealer Moths)
- Subfamily
- Oecophorinae
- Tribe
- Oecophorini
- Genus
- Batia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally occurs in woodland habitats and other well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The moth flies in July and August. It is mainly nocturnal in habits and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of most Batia species feed under the bark of various trees, possibly on fungi or decaying wood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly frequent throughout most of England. 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 Batia lunaris. 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 Batia lunaris (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Batia lunaris
What is Batia lunaris?
Batia lunaris is a species in the family Oecophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Batia lunaris found?
Habitat: Generally occurs in woodland habitats and other well wooded areas.
When is Batia lunaris active?
Batia lunaris: seasonal activity - The moth flies in July and August. It is mainly nocturnal in habits and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Batia lunaris?
The larvae of most Batia species feed under the bark of various trees, possibly on fungi or decaying wood.