Dichrorampha aeratana
This record describes Dichrorampha aeratana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 14mm. Several of the Dichrorampha species are very alike in outward appearance, and it is often necessary, as with the present species, to examine the genitalia to be sure of identification. Various habitats, especially near to flower meadows and rough grassland. The larva feeds internally in the rootstock of Oxeye Daisy. In particular confusion of this species with D. plumbana has led to uncertainty to its exact distribution. It is more frequent in parts of southern England, while having been recorded northwards to Scotland, and in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Grapholitini
- Genus
- Dichrorampha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially near to flower meadows and rough grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths fly in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds internally in the rootstock of Oxeye Daisy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In particular confusion of this species with D. plumbana has led to uncertainty to its exact distribution. It is more frequent in parts of southern England, while having been recorded northwards to Scotland, and in Ireland. 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 Dichrorampha aeratana. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dichrorampha aeratana
What is Dichrorampha aeratana?
Dichrorampha aeratana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dichrorampha aeratana found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially near to flower meadows and rough grassland.
When is Dichrorampha aeratana active?
Dichrorampha aeratana: seasonal activity - Adult moths fly in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Dichrorampha aeratana?
The larva feeds internally in the rootstock of Oxeye Daisy.