Eudonia angustea
This record describes Eudonia angustea (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17-22 mm. A rather small, narrow-winged species. Scopariinae are a difficult group to identify and sometimes it is necessary to refer to genitalia to be sure. A useful guide can be found at the following LINK Prefers coastal habitats but it can be found locally throughout most of Britain. Usually a late flight period from July through to early November but can be seen earlier. The larvae feed on mosses on walls and in sand-dunes. Mainly coastal but often encountered inland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Eudonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers coastal habitats but it can be found locally throughout most of Britain.
Seasonal Activity
Usually a late flight period from July through to early November but can be seen earlier.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on mosses on walls and in sand-dunes.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly coastal but often encountered inland. 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 Eudonia angustea. 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 Eudonia angustea (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eudonia angustea
What is Eudonia angustea?
Eudonia angustea is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eudonia angustea found?
Habitat: Prefers coastal habitats but it can be found locally throughout most of Britain.
When is Eudonia angustea active?
Eudonia angustea: seasonal activity - Usually a late flight period from July through to early November but can be seen earlier..
What is the life cycle of a Eudonia angustea?
The larvae feed on mosses on walls and in sand-dunes.