Cydia splendana
This record describes Cydia splendana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12-16 mm. The greyish adult has a slight 'speckled' appearance caused by pale tips to many of the scales. Occupying deciduous woodland where Oak or Sweet Chestnut occur. The adults can be found in July and August from evening into the night and can be attracted by light. The larvae of this species feed internally on the acorns or chestnuts. Fairly frequent over much of 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
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Cydia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupying deciduous woodland where Oak or Sweet Chestnut occur.
Seasonal Activity
The adults can be found in July and August from evening into the night and can be attracted by light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed internally on the acorns or chestnuts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent over much of 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 Cydia splendana. 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 splendana (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cydia splendana
What is Cydia splendana?
Cydia splendana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cydia splendana found?
Habitat: Occupying deciduous woodland where Oak or Sweet Chestnut occur.
When is Cydia splendana active?
Cydia splendana: seasonal activity - The adults can be found in July and August from evening into the night and can be attracted by light..
What is the life cycle of a Cydia splendana?
The larvae of this species feed internally on the acorns or chestnuts.