Neocochylis hybridella
This record describes Neocochylis hybridella (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 to15 mm. This species has a whitish thorax when fresh, which can be used to separate it from similar Cochylis species. Flying in July and August, the moths are on the wing from dusk onwards. The larvae feed within the seedheads of ox-tongue or hawk's-beard. Occurring mainly in southern England north to Cheshire and in Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local, but may be becoming more common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Neocochylis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in chalky districts.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in July and August, the moths are on the wing from dusk onwards.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed within the seedheads of ox-tongue or hawk's-beard.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring mainly in southern England north to Cheshire and in Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local, but may be becoming more common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Neocochylis hybridella. 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 Neocochylis hybridella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neocochylis hybridella
What is Neocochylis hybridella?
Neocochylis hybridella is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Neocochylis hybridella found?
Habitat: Usually found in chalky districts.
When is Neocochylis hybridella active?
Neocochylis hybridella: seasonal activity - Flying in July and August, the moths are on the wing from dusk onwards..
What is the life cycle of a Neocochylis hybridella?
The larvae feed within the seedheads of ox-tongue or hawk's-beard.