Cydia conicolana
This record describes Cydia conicolana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 11mm. Sometimes a small exit hole in a pine cone can be observed and indicates that the larva has overwintered in it and the adult moth has emerged. Very good quality photographs required and if possible the specimen should be retained as gen det may be necessary. Associated with areas of Pine, especially Scots Pine. The adult moths fly in May and June and are active during morning, afternoon and dusk. The larva bores into a young cone of Pine, especially Scots Pine and feeds internally on the seeds, overwintering. The only external evidence that a cone is occupied is the small exit hole once the moth has emerged. An uncommon species found mainly in south and south-east England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Cydia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with areas of Pine, especially Scots Pine.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in May and June and are active during morning, afternoon and dusk.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva bores into a young cone of Pine, especially Scots Pine and feeds internally on the seeds, overwintering. The only external evidence that a cone is occupied is the small exit hole once the moth has emerged.
Additional species information
Recorded status
An uncommon species found mainly in south and south-east England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cydia conicolana. 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 Cydia conicolana (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cydia conicolana
What is Cydia conicolana?
Cydia conicolana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cydia conicolana found?
Habitat: Associated with areas of Pine, especially Scots Pine.
When is Cydia conicolana active?
Cydia conicolana: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in May and June and are active during morning, afternoon and dusk..
What is the life cycle of a Cydia conicolana?
The larva bores into a young cone of Pine, especially Scots Pine and feeds internally on the seeds, overwintering. The only external evidence that a cone is occupied is the small exit hole once the moth has emerged.