Eulia ministrana
This record describes Eulia ministrana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18-25 mm. The creamish ground colour and red/brown markings are fairly characteristic. It flies in May and June, from dusk and into the night, when it can be attracted by light. The caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs and overwinter in this state before pupating in the spring. Moderately common over much of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Tortricinae
- Tribe
- Cochylini
- Genus
- Eulia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This is mainly a woodland species.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June, from dusk and into the night, when it can be attracted by light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs and overwinter in this state before pupating in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Moderately common over 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 Eulia ministrana. 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 Eulia ministrana (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eulia ministrana
What is Eulia ministrana?
Eulia ministrana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eulia ministrana found?
Habitat: This is mainly a woodland species.
When is Eulia ministrana active?
Eulia ministrana: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June, from dusk and into the night, when it can be attracted by light..
What is the life cycle of a Eulia ministrana?
The caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs and overwinter in this state before pupating in the spring.