Evergestis pallidata
This record describes Evergestis pallidata (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 24 to 29 mm. A fairly distinctive moth with pale creamy wings laced with dark brown markings. Various habitats including damp open woodland and other damp areas. The moths fly between June and August when they are attracted to light. The larvae feed on various Brassicaceae, in particular Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris). It is distributed in the southern half of England to the Midlands, and also occurs in Scotland and Ireland. 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 (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Glaphyriinae
- Genus
- Evergestis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including damp open woodland and other damp areas.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly between June and August when they are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various Brassicaceae, in particular Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris).
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed in the southern half of England to the Midlands, and also occurs in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Evergestis pallidata. 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 Evergestis pallidata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Evergestis pallidata
What is Evergestis pallidata?
Evergestis pallidata is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Evergestis pallidata found?
Habitat: Various habitats including damp open woodland and other damp areas.
When is Evergestis pallidata active?
Evergestis pallidata: seasonal activity - The moths fly between June and August when they are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Evergestis pallidata?
The larvae feed on various Brassicaceae, in particular Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris).