Cydia illutana
This record describes Cydia illutana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. It may be expected to occur in areas where the larval food trees occur. Adults are typically on the wing in June. The larvae feed on the seeds in cones of a number of coniferous trees. This is an uncommon species, only relatively recently discovered in the British Isles, when one was found in Hampshire in 1975, although it was only identified later when another turned up in Berkshire in 1984 since when the number of records has increased (but it remains scarce). In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as pRDB3. No additional images available for this species.
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
It may be expected to occur in areas where the larval food trees occur.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are typically on the wing in June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds in cones of a number of coniferous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is an uncommon species, only relatively recently discovered in the British Isles, when one was found in Hampshire in 1975, although it was only identified later when another turned up in Berkshire in 1984 since when the number of records has increased (but it remains scarce). In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as pRDB3.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cydia illutana. 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 illutana (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cydia illutana
What is Cydia illutana?
Cydia illutana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cydia illutana found?
Habitat: It may be expected to occur in areas where the larval food trees occur.
When is Cydia illutana active?
Cydia illutana: seasonal activity - Adults are typically on the wing in June..
What is the life cycle of a Cydia illutana?
The larvae feed on the seeds in cones of a number of coniferous trees.