Musotima nitidalis
This record describes Musotima nitidalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a multi shaded brown forewing with white marks and is quite distinctive. Because this species is still rare in our area a photograph is required to support your record. Most records in Britain are from the period May to November. This species is associated with ferns. The larva feeds on the underside of a frond of Bracken, Broad Buckler-fern or Hard Fern and perhaps other ferns. It pupates spun to the underside of a frond. The first British record came from Dorset in 2009. It has since spread, firstly alond some southern coastal areas, but probably now moving further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as adventive. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Musotima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Most records in Britain are from the period May to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is associated with ferns. The larva feeds on the underside of a frond of Bracken, Broad Buckler-fern or Hard Fern and perhaps other ferns. It pupates spun to the underside of a frond.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The first British record came from Dorset in 2009. It has since spread, firstly alond some southern coastal areas, but probably now moving further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as adventive.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Musotima nitidalis. 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 Musotima nitidalis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Musotima nitidalis
What is Musotima nitidalis?
Musotima nitidalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
When is Musotima nitidalis active?
Musotima nitidalis: seasonal activity - Most records in Britain are from the period May to November..
What is the life cycle of a Musotima nitidalis?
This species is associated with ferns. The larva feeds on the underside of a frond of Bracken, Broad Buckler-fern or Hard Fern and perhaps other ferns. It pupates spun to the underside of a frond.