Epinotia pygmaeana
This record describes Epinotia pygmaeana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 to 14 mm, the adults are similar to E. subsequana, but have a noticeable whitish patch on the inner area of the hindwing. Males can further be distinguished by their comb-like antennae. Occurs around coniferous forests and plantations. The larvae feed on the needles of coniferous trees, particularly Spruce (Picea) and European Silver Fir (Abies alba). Initially they mine the needles, but later spin them together with silk and feed within. Widespread but quite local in Britain. 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
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Epinotia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs around coniferous forests and plantations.
Seasonal Activity
Flying from April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the needles of coniferous trees, particularly Spruce (Picea) and European Silver Fir (Abies alba). Initially they mine the needles, but later spin them together with silk and feed within.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but quite local in Britain. 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 Epinotia pygmaeana. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epinotia pygmaeana
What is Epinotia pygmaeana?
Epinotia pygmaeana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Epinotia pygmaeana found?
Habitat: Occurs around coniferous forests and plantations.
When is Epinotia pygmaeana active?
Epinotia pygmaeana: seasonal activity - Flying from April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Epinotia pygmaeana?
The larvae feed on the needles of coniferous trees, particularly Spruce (Picea) and European Silver Fir (Abies alba). Initially they mine the needles, but later spin them together with silk and feed within.