Ephestia woodiella
This record describes Ephestia woodiella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unlike most of its congeners, this species is not a pest of dried foods in warehouses and kitchens, and occurs out-of-doors. Flying between June and September, when it can be attracted to light. Most probably feeding on dried leaves and other plant matter. Formerly quite local but probably increasing in frequency and spreading from it's base in southern England. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Ephestia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Unlike most of its congeners, this species is not a pest of dried foods in warehouses and kitchens, and occurs out-of-doors.
Seasonal Activity
Flying between June and September, when it can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Most probably feeding on dried leaves and other plant matter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Formerly quite local but probably increasing in frequency and spreading from it's base in southern England. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ephestia woodiella. 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 Ephestia woodiella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephestia woodiella
What is Ephestia woodiella?
Ephestia woodiella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ephestia woodiella found?
Habitat: Unlike most of its congeners, this species is not a pest of dried foods in warehouses and kitchens, and occurs out-of-doors.
When is Ephestia woodiella active?
Ephestia woodiella: seasonal activity - Flying between June and September, when it can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Ephestia woodiella?
Most probably feeding on dried leaves and other plant matter.