Matilella fusca
This record describes Matilella fusca (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 26 mm with a dull brownish colouration. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. A species of heathland and moorland. The adults have a habit of resting amongst areas of burnt heath, where their colouration makes for excellent camouflage, although they are easily disturbed. The moths are on the wing during June and July and can be attracted to light at night. The larvae feed in a web on heather (Erica) and possibly bilberry (Vaccinium), from July onwards, overwintering. Widespread in Britain but rather local in its distribution. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Matilella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of heathland and moorland. The adults have a habit of resting amongst areas of burnt heath, where their colouration makes for excellent camouflage, although they are easily disturbed.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing during June and July and can be attracted to light at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in a web on heather (Erica) and possibly bilberry (Vaccinium), from July onwards, overwintering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain but rather local in its distribution. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Matilella fusca. 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 Matilella fusca (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Matilella fusca
What is Matilella fusca?
Matilella fusca is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Matilella fusca found?
Habitat: A species of heathland and moorland. The adults have a habit of resting amongst areas of burnt heath, where their colouration makes for excellent camouflage, although they are easily disturbed.
When is Matilella fusca active?
Matilella fusca: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing during June and July and can be attracted to light at night..
What is the life cycle of a Matilella fusca?
The larvae feed in a web on heather (Erica) and possibly bilberry (Vaccinium), from July onwards, overwintering.