Elegia similella
This record describes Elegia similella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 22 mm. A distinctive species with its very dark forewings and broad white cross-line.G In view of the scarcity of this species in VC55 any records should be supported by photographs. It inhabits old, mature woodland and parkland, and spends much of its life high up in large oak trees. A scarce resident, occurring mainly in the south of England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Elegia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits old, mature woodland and parkland, and spends much of its life high up in large oak trees.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from June to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Oak is the larval foodplant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A scarce resident, occurring mainly in the south of England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Elegia similella. 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 Elegia similella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elegia similella
What is Elegia similella?
Elegia similella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Elegia similella found?
Habitat: It inhabits old, mature woodland and parkland, and spends much of its life high up in large oak trees.
When is Elegia similella active?
Elegia similella: seasonal activity - The flight period is from June to July..
What is the life cycle of a Elegia similella?
Oak is the larval foodplant.