Eupoecilia angustana
This record describes Eupoecilia angustana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to 15 mm. A small, brightly-coloured species, comprising two forms, with a third in Shetland considered a subspecies. The nominate form angustana occurs in woodland edges, meadows and similar locations, and feeds on a variety of plants including Plantain and Yarrow. The form fasciella is found on heathland, and feeds on Heather (Calluna). The flight period is from June to September. It occurs over 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
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Eupoecilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The nominate form angustana occurs in woodland edges, meadows and similar locations, and feeds on a variety of plants including Plantain and Yarrow. The form fasciella is found on heathland, and feeds on Heather (Calluna).
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See habitat.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs 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 Eupoecilia angustana. 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 Eupoecilia angustana
What is Eupoecilia angustana?
Eupoecilia angustana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eupoecilia angustana found?
Habitat: The nominate form angustana occurs in woodland edges, meadows and similar locations, and feeds on a variety of plants including Plantain and Yarrow. The form fasciella is found on heathland, and feeds on Heather (Calluna).
When is Eupoecilia angustana active?
Eupoecilia angustana: seasonal activity - The flight period is from June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Eupoecilia angustana?
See habitat.