Uncinus obductella
This record describes Uncinus obductella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 23 to 26 mm. An attractive reddish brown species. In view of the rarity of this moth in our area, please provide a photograph and retain the specimen in case it is required by the County Recorder. It inhabits grassland and chalk quarries where the food plant Wild Marjoram occurs. We are unsure at present whether it may be attracted to Marjoram in gardens. It flies in the second half of July and early August at dusk and later comes to light. On warm nights it has been recorded well away from its normal habitats. The larvae feed on Wild Marjoram, and spin the leaves of the terminal shoots together when fully grown. Very local, with most records coming from the county of Kent, Recent light trap records seem to suggest that this species is perhaps less scarce than once thought. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB2 but this will probably be revised as seems to have become more common recently. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Uncinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits grassland and chalk quarries where the food plant Wild Marjoram occurs. We are unsure at present whether it may be attracted to Marjoram in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in the second half of July and early August at dusk and later comes to light. On warm nights it has been recorded well away from its normal habitats.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Wild Marjoram, and spin the leaves of the terminal shoots together when fully grown.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very local, with most records coming from the county of Kent, Recent light trap records seem to suggest that this species is perhaps less scarce than once thought. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB2 but this will probably be revised as seems to have become more common recently.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Uncinus obductella. 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 Uncinus obductella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Uncinus obductella
What is Uncinus obductella?
Uncinus obductella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Uncinus obductella found?
Habitat: It inhabits grassland and chalk quarries where the food plant Wild Marjoram occurs. We are unsure at present whether it may be attracted to Marjoram in gardens.
When is Uncinus obductella active?
Uncinus obductella: seasonal activity - It flies in the second half of July and early August at dusk and later comes to light. On warm nights it has been recorded well away from its normal habitats..
What is the life cycle of a Uncinus obductella?
The larvae feed on Wild Marjoram, and spin the leaves of the terminal shoots together when fully grown.