LepidopteraCrambidae – Crambid Snout Moths

Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132

Choristostigma elegantalis

This record describes Choristostigma elegantalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - Choristostigma elegantalis
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

The original description as Choristostigma elegantalis Warren, is available online in the print references below.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Pyraloidea
Family
Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
Subfamily
Spilomelinae
Tribe
Hydririni
Genus
Choristostigma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Coastal regions to 10,000' elevations.

Geographic Range

California to Washington. Arizona(?) Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.

Seasonal Activity

Adults are most often reported from April to September. ,

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larval host is unknown.

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Choristostigma elegantalis. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 (5)

Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - photo 3
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - photo 4
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 - photo 5
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Frequently Asked Questions About Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132

What is Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132?

Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 (Choristostigma elegantalis) is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.

How big is Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132?

Forewing length 9-11.5 mm.

How do you identify Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132?

The original description as Choristostigma elegantalis Warren, is available online in the print references below.

Where is Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatCoastal regions to 10,000' elevations.
RangeCalifornia to Washington. Arizona(?) Moth Photographers Group - large range map with collection dates.
What does Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 eat?

The diet of the Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 includes Larval host is unknown..

When is Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132 active?

Choristostigma elegantalis - Hodges#5132: seasonal activity - Adults are most often reported from April to September. ,.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.