Dioryctria sylvestrella
This record describes Dioryctria sylvestrella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 35 mm. Generally the largest of the four Dioryctria species occurring in Britain, it is best distinguished by the shape of the subterminal line, which is more smoothly curved than the obvious dentate lines of the other species. 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. After its initial discovery in 2001 in Dorset, there have been a number of records of this migrant from Continental Europe, mainly in the south-east of England. Records dating back to 1999 were subsequently found in collections and there may well be others undiscovered. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this migrant species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Dioryctria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Abroad, the species inhabits pinewoods.
Seasonal Activity
Flies July to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
After its initial discovery in 2001 in Dorset, there have been a number of records of this migrant from Continental Europe, mainly in the south-east of England. Records dating back to 1999 were subsequently found in collections and there may well be others undiscovered. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this migrant species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Dioryctria sylvestrella. 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 Dioryctria sylvestrella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dioryctria sylvestrella
What is Dioryctria sylvestrella?
Dioryctria sylvestrella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dioryctria sylvestrella found?
Habitat: Abroad, the species inhabits pinewoods.
When is Dioryctria sylvestrella active?
Dioryctria sylvestrella: seasonal activity - Flies July to September..