Earias vittella
This record describes Earias vittella (species). Recorded family: Nolidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17 to 23 mm. A very distinctive green and white species. Occurring in Britain only as an accidental import or vagrant. The first British specimens were recorded in June and early July. The larva of this species has been found several times in Okra pods, imported from India. Rare in Britain the first adult was recorded at light in Dorset in June 2003. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as an import. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Nolidae
- Genus
- Earias
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring in Britain only as an accidental import or vagrant.
Seasonal Activity
The first British specimens were recorded in June and early July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva of this species has been found several times in Okra pods, imported from India.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Rare in Britain the first adult was recorded at light in Dorset in June 2003. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as an import.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Earias vittella. 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 Earias vittella
What is Earias vittella?
Earias vittella is a species in the family Nolidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Earias vittella found?
Habitat: Occurring in Britain only as an accidental import or vagrant.
When is Earias vittella active?
Earias vittella: seasonal activity - The first British specimens were recorded in June and early July..
What is the life cycle of a Earias vittella?
The larva of this species has been found several times in Okra pods, imported from India.