Crocidosema plebejana
This record describes Crocidosema plebejana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Various habitats including parks and gardens. The moths fly mainly between July and October, and can be found on the wing from early evening, after which they will come to light. The larvae feed on Tree-mallow (Lavatera arborea) and related species, internally in the seed capsules and shoots. A fairly recent colonist to the British Isles, first discovered in south Devon in 1900. It is now frequent in the south, and is expanding its range. It is thought to have been introduced from warmer climes. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Crocidosema plebejana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocidosema plebejana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Leafroller Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Crocidosema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly mainly between July and October, and can be found on the wing from early evening, after which they will come to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Tree-mallow (Lavatera arborea) and related species, internally in the seed capsules and shoots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly recent colonist to the British Isles, first discovered in south Devon in 1900. It is now frequent in the south, and is expanding its range. It is thought to have been introduced from warmer climes. 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 Crocidosema plebejana. 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 Crocidosema plebejana (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crocidosema plebejana
What is Crocidosema plebejana?
Crocidosema plebejana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Crocidosema plebejana found?
Habitat: Various habitats including parks and gardens.
When is Crocidosema plebejana active?
Crocidosema plebejana: seasonal activity - The moths fly mainly between July and October, and can be found on the wing from early evening, after which they will come to light..
What is the life cycle of a Crocidosema plebejana?
The larvae feed on Tree-mallow (Lavatera arborea) and related species, internally in the seed capsules and shoots.