Catoptria margaritella
This record describes Catoptria margaritella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20 to 23 mm. The broad, unbroken white longitudinal mark on this species is quite distinctive. It occurs in boggy and heathland habitats. The nocturnal adult is on the wing in July and August, and can be attracted to light. At present the earlier stages of development are not well described. However, it has been reared from ova obtained from a captive female and in captivity the larvae initially ate the moss Campylopus flexuosus but in their later instars ate the basal parts of leaves of Cottongrass. Found in suitable scattered localities throughout Britain, where it is locally common. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Catoptria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occurs in boggy and heathland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The nocturnal adult is on the wing in July and August, and can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
At present the earlier stages of development are not well described. However, it has been reared from ova obtained from a captive female and in captivity the larvae initially ate the moss Campylopus flexuosus but in their later instars ate the basal parts of leaves of Cottongrass.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found in suitable scattered localities throughout Britain, where it is locally common. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Catoptria margaritella. 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 Catoptria margaritella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Catoptria margaritella
What is Catoptria margaritella?
Catoptria margaritella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Catoptria margaritella found?
Habitat: It occurs in boggy and heathland habitats.
When is Catoptria margaritella active?
Catoptria margaritella: seasonal activity - The nocturnal adult is on the wing in July and August, and can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Catoptria margaritella?
At present the earlier stages of development are not well described. However, it has been reared from ova obtained from a captive female and in captivity the larvae initially ate the moss Campylopus flexuosus but in their later instars ate the basal parts of leaves of Cottongrass.