Epinotia tetraquetrana
This record describes Epinotia tetraquetrana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 to 16 mm. Although quite variable in intensity, this species generally has a distinguishing pale square blotch on the dorsum visible at rest, often inwardly edged darker, and with a single dark spot beyond. It can resemble E. immundana, which however usually shows a rather more triangular pale patch, and is generally darker overall. The larvae bore into a stem of Birch or Alder and then feed within a folded leaf. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. 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
Woodland and other well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae bore into a stem of Birch or Alder and then feed within a folded leaf.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. 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 tetraquetrana. 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 tetraquetrana (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Epinotia tetraquetrana
What is Epinotia tetraquetrana?
Epinotia tetraquetrana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Epinotia tetraquetrana found?
Habitat: Woodland and other well wooded areas.
When is Epinotia tetraquetrana active?
Epinotia tetraquetrana: seasonal activity - The adults fly in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Epinotia tetraquetrana?
The larvae bore into a stem of Birch or Alder and then feed within a folded leaf.