Epinotia immundana
This record describes Epinotia immundana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12-14 mm. The species is quite variable, with the paler diamond-shaped patch on the dorsal area sometimes obscured, yet sometimes contrasting strongly. It inhabits woodland, heathland and river banks. The moths fly in spring from April to June and in the south, again in August and September. Larvae feed within the catkins of Alder and Birch. Generally distributed throughout the British Isles, this species is fairly 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
- Epinotia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland, heathland and river banks.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in spring from April to June and in the south, again in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed within the catkins of Alder and Birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Generally distributed throughout the British Isles, this species is fairly 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 Epinotia immundana. 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 Epinotia immundana (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Epinotia immundana
What is Epinotia immundana?
Epinotia immundana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Epinotia immundana found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland, heathland and river banks.
When is Epinotia immundana active?
Epinotia immundana: seasonal activity - The moths fly in spring from April to June and in the south, again in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Epinotia immundana?
Larvae feed within the catkins of Alder and Birch.