Epiblema cirsiana
This record describes Epiblema cirsiana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12-23mm. Part of a difficult species group. It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg. Epiblema sticticana and Epiblema scutulana Part of a difficult species group. It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg. Inhabits such places as damp sheltered meadows and woodland rides and clearings. Larvae feed mostly on Marsh Thistle and Common Knapweed, feeding in the stems and roots. Probably fairly frequent, but poorly recorded nationally. 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
- Epiblema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits such places as damp sheltered meadows and woodland rides and clearings.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed mostly on Marsh Thistle and Common Knapweed, feeding in the stems and roots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably fairly frequent, but poorly recorded nationally. 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 Epiblema cirsiana. 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 Epiblema cirsiana (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Epiblema cirsiana
What is Epiblema cirsiana?
Epiblema cirsiana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Epiblema cirsiana found?
Habitat: Inhabits such places as damp sheltered meadows and woodland rides and clearings.
When is Epiblema cirsiana active?
Epiblema cirsiana: seasonal activity - Adults fly in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Epiblema cirsiana?
Larvae feed mostly on Marsh Thistle and Common Knapweed, feeding in the stems and roots.