Gynnidomorpha alismana
This record describes Gynnidomorpha alismana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 12mm. This small brownish tortrix resembles several other species, and care is needed with identification. Around water, especially where Water-plantain is found. Adult moths are on the wing between June and August, and fly at sunset, but also come later to light. The larvae feed on Water-plantain where they feed internally in the flower stems, consuming the pith. This species is distributed over southern parts of England, ranging northwards to Lancashire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Gynnidomorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around water, especially where Water-plantain is found.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths are on the wing between June and August, and fly at sunset, but also come later to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Water-plantain where they feed internally in the flower stems, consuming the pith.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is distributed over southern parts of England, ranging northwards to Lancashire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Gynnidomorpha alismana. 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 Gynnidomorpha alismana (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gynnidomorpha alismana
What is Gynnidomorpha alismana?
Gynnidomorpha alismana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Gynnidomorpha alismana found?
Habitat: Around water, especially where Water-plantain is found.
When is Gynnidomorpha alismana active?
Gynnidomorpha alismana: seasonal activity - Adult moths are on the wing between June and August, and fly at sunset, but also come later to light..
What is the life cycle of a Gynnidomorpha alismana?
The larvae feed on Water-plantain where they feed internally in the flower stems, consuming the pith.