Celypha lacunana
This record describes Celypha lacunana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14-18 mm. Although extremely variable, this species can usually be distinguished from its near relatives by the strong indentation or lacuna in the median fascia above the middle and in dark forms this indentation tends to become obscure but is seldom totally obliterated. It can often be disturbed during the day from vegetation along woodland fringes, verges, grassy fields and hedges. Later in the evening is the moth's normal flying time, when it can be attracted to light. It has quite a long flight period, from May to August. The larvae feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants. A very common species 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
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Celypha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can often be disturbed during the day from vegetation along woodland fringes, verges, grassy fields and hedges.
Seasonal Activity
Later in the evening is the moth's normal flying time, when it can be attracted to light. It has quite a long flight period, from May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A very common species 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 Celypha lacunana. 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 Celypha lacunana (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Celypha lacunana
What is Celypha lacunana?
Celypha lacunana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Celypha lacunana found?
Habitat: It can often be disturbed during the day from vegetation along woodland fringes, verges, grassy fields and hedges.
When is Celypha lacunana active?
Celypha lacunana: seasonal activity - Later in the evening is the moth's normal flying time, when it can be attracted to light. It has quite a long flight period, from May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Celypha lacunana?
The larvae feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants.