Crambus lathoniellus
This record describes Crambus lathoniellus (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 20 mm. The whitish streaks on this moth are narrower than other similar species and the males are darker than the females. Like several similar species, the moth is to be found in grassy areas. One of the earliest Crambids to be seen during the year, with the adults flying from May through to August. Flies naturally at night, though it is easily disturbed in the daytime. The larvae feed on various types of grass stem. It is widespread and common 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
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Crambus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Like several similar species, the moth is to be found in grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
One of the earliest
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various types of grass stem.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and common 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 Crambus lathoniellus. 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 Crambus lathoniellus (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crambus lathoniellus
What is Crambus lathoniellus?
Crambus lathoniellus is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Crambus lathoniellus found?
Habitat: Like several similar species, the moth is to be found in grassy areas.
When is Crambus lathoniellus active?
Crambus lathoniellus: seasonal activity - One of the earliest.
What is the life cycle of a Crambus lathoniellus?
The larvae feed on various types of grass stem.