Epiblema scutulana
This record describes Epiblema scutulana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18-23 mm. 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 cirsiana and Epiblema sticticana 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. Occupying rough ground and meadows; it can be seen resting on the foodplant by day. The larvae feed on Spear Thistle and Musk Thistle, living in the stems and roots. It is fairly common throughout the British Isles. 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
Occupying rough ground and meadows; it can be seen resting on the foodplant by day.
Seasonal Activity
The species flies in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Spear Thistle and Musk Thistle, living in the stems and roots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common throughout the British Isles. 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 scutulana. 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 scutulana (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Epiblema scutulana
What is Epiblema scutulana?
Epiblema scutulana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Epiblema scutulana found?
Habitat: Occupying rough ground and meadows; it can be seen resting on the foodplant by day.
When is Epiblema scutulana active?
Epiblema scutulana: seasonal activity - The species flies in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Epiblema scutulana?
The larvae feed on Spear Thistle and Musk Thistle, living in the stems and roots.