Cherry Bark Tortrix
Enarmonia formosana
This record describes Enarmonia formosana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15 to 19 mm. At first glance this looks to be a rather dull moth, but closer investigation reveals a complex combination of browns, white and metallic blue markings. The species occurs in gardens, parks and orchards where the larval foodplants occur. The larvae feed on the bark of fruit and ornamental cherry trees. Locally distributed in Britain, apart from northern Scotland and western Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Enarmoniini
- Genus
- Enarmonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The species occurs in gardens, parks and orchards where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
The moth flies during June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the bark of fruit and ornamental cherry trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally distributed in Britain, apart from northern Scotland and western Ireland. 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 Enarmonia formosana. 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 Cherry Bark Tortrix (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Bark Tortrix
What is Cherry Bark Tortrix?
Cherry Bark Tortrix (Enarmonia formosana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cherry Bark Tortrix found?
Habitat: The species occurs in gardens, parks and orchards where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Cherry Bark Tortrix active?
Cherry Bark Tortrix: seasonal activity - The moth flies during June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Cherry Bark Tortrix?
The larvae feed on the bark of fruit and ornamental cherry trees.