LepidopteraTortricidae – Tortricid Moths

Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348

Epinotia vagana

This record describes Epinotia vagana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 - Epinotia vagana
Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Tortricoidea
Family
Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
Subfamily
Olethreutinae
Tribe
Eucosmini
Genus
Epinotia

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Records from Washington to central California. Holotype male & three paratypes: "Liaga, Washington" (E.S. Heckard, from larvae on wild crabapple May 24, 1918). Paratypes: Victoria, British Columbia (E.H. Blackmore , 13-IX-21, 1-IX-20,, 24-IX-21); Duncan, Vancouver Island ( Hanham ); Hoquiam, WA ( Burke , 8-30-04).

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larval hosts: Oregon crab apple ( Malus fusca ). white spruce ( Picea glauca ).

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Specific epithet from Latin vagus meaning "wandering, rambling" or, if meant figuratively, "uncertain, vague."

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Epinotia vagana. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 (2)

Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 - photo 1
Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy
Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 - photo 2
Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy

Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy

Frequently Asked Questions About Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348

How big is Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348?

Wingspan 17-19 mm.

Where is Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 found?

Range: Records from Washington to central California. Holotype male & three paratypes: Liaga, Washington (E.S. Heckard, from larvae on wild crabapple May 24, 1918). Paratypes: Victoria, British Columbia (E.H. Blackmore , 13-IX-21, 1-IX-20,, 24-IX-21); Duncan, Vancouver Island ( Hanham ); Hoquiam, WA ( Burke , 8-30-04).

What does Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 eat?

The diet of the Epinotia vagana - Hodges#3348 includes Larval hosts: Oregon crab apple ( Malus fusca ). white spruce ( Picea glauca )..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Randy Hardy. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.