Endothenia marginana
This record describes Endothenia marginana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The males of this species have noticeably whitish hindwings which help distinguish it from similar species but the females have darker hindwings and are more difficult. Adults of this and several similar Endothenia species require dissection of the genitalia for accurate identification. Found in a variety of open and wooded habitats. The adults fly from late May into August. The larvae feed from September to June in the seed heads of Betony, Teasel, Hemp-nettles and Ribwort Plantain. It is distributed throughout much of the British Isles, being common in some places. 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
- Endothenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of open and wooded habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from late May into August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed from September to June in the seed heads of Betony, Teasel, Hemp-nettles and Ribwort Plantain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed throughout much of the British Isles, being common in some places. 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 Endothenia marginana. 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 Endothenia marginana (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Endothenia marginana
What is Endothenia marginana?
Endothenia marginana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Endothenia marginana found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of open and wooded habitats.
When is Endothenia marginana active?
Endothenia marginana: seasonal activity - The adults fly from late May into August..
What is the life cycle of a Endothenia marginana?
The larvae feed from September to June in the seed heads of Betony, Teasel, Hemp-nettles and Ribwort Plantain.