Cnephasia communana
This record describes Cnephasia communana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wingspan is 18 to 22 mm. Many of the Cnephasia species are externally very similar, and gen det is required for species identification. Where gen det has not been carried out the records should be added as Cnephasia sp. Gen det is required for species identification. Where possible, please include a photograph of the moth with your records. It frequents meadows and rough grassland. One of the earliest Cnephasia species to fly. Adults are often on the wing in May and may then be encountered up to July. Mostly recorded from the southern counties of England and even there it can be rather local. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Cnephasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents meadows and rough grassland.
Seasonal Activity
One of the earliest Cnephasia species to fly. Adults are often on the wing in May and may then be encountered up to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mostly recorded from the southern counties of England and even there it can be rather local. 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 Cnephasia communana. 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 Cnephasia communana (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cnephasia communana
What is Cnephasia communana?
Cnephasia communana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cnephasia communana found?
Habitat: It frequents meadows and rough grassland.
When is Cnephasia communana active?
Cnephasia communana: seasonal activity - One of the earliest Cnephasia species to fly. Adults are often on the wing in May and may then be encountered up to July..
What is the life cycle of a Cnephasia communana?
There is one generation per year.