Eudonia truncicolella
This record describes Eudonia truncicolella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18-22 mm. One of the confusing range of Scopariinae , which can be difficult to tell apart. Most likely to be confused with the commoner Eudonia lacustrata, although the present species is said to have a more 'scratchy' appearance and more pointed forewings. 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 Often a moorland species but sometimes found in woodland, parks and gardens. Appears to be genuinely scarce in VC55, with most verified records from the Charnwood area. The adults fly in July and August and are attracted to light. The larvae feed on mosses on the ground, living in a silken gallery. It occurs throughout much of 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
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Eudonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often a moorland species but sometimes found in woodland, parks and gardens. Appears to be genuinely scarce in VC55, with most verified records from the Charnwood area.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in July and August and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on mosses on the ground, living in a silken gallery.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs throughout much of 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 Eudonia truncicolella. 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 Eudonia truncicolella
What is Eudonia truncicolella?
Eudonia truncicolella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eudonia truncicolella found?
Habitat: Often a moorland species but sometimes found in woodland, parks and gardens. Appears to be genuinely scarce in VC55, with most verified records from the Charnwood area.
When is Eudonia truncicolella active?
Eudonia truncicolella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in July and August and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Eudonia truncicolella?
The larvae feed on mosses on the ground, living in a silken gallery.