Flax Tortrix
Cnephasia asseclana
This record describes Cnephasia asseclana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15-18 mm. The patterning of the wings can be variable with dark brown bands and spots on a paler brown background. There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen is generally needed to identify the exact species. A red box around the image indicates that we think it is likely to be this species but can't be 100% certain. Occupies gardens, farmland and other open habitats where it can often be found resting on trees and fences etc. The adults fly between June and August and are attracted to light. The larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, mining leaves initially and then spinning together leaves or flowers. A reasonably common species throughout 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
- Cnephasiini
- Genus
- Cnephasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupies gardens, farmland and other open habitats where it can often be found resting on trees and fences etc.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly between June and August and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, mining leaves initially and then spinning together leaves or flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A reasonably common species throughout 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 Cnephasia asseclana. 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 Flax Tortrix (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flax Tortrix
What is Flax Tortrix?
Flax Tortrix (Cnephasia asseclana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Flax Tortrix found?
Habitat: Occupies gardens, farmland and other open habitats where it can often be found resting on trees and fences etc.
When is Flax Tortrix active?
Flax Tortrix: seasonal activity - The adults fly between June and August and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Flax Tortrix?
The larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, mining leaves initially and then spinning together leaves or flowers.