Oak Lutestring
Cymatophorina diluta
This record describes Cymatophorina diluta (species). Recorded family: Drepanidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 33 to 36 mm. Like other lutestrings, it can be variable, and there is a relatively plain, greyish form. The moths occurring in Britain are a separate subspecies, hartwiegi. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. The single generation flies in August and September. The caterpillars, which feed on oak, are dull greenish yellow with a black head. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Drepanidae
- Genus
- Cymatophorina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of mature oak woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars, which feed on oak, are dull greenish yellow with a black head.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cymatophorina diluta. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Lutestring
What is Oak Lutestring?
Oak Lutestring (Cymatophorina diluta) is a species in the family Drepanidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Oak Lutestring found?
Habitat: A species of mature oak woodland.
When is Oak Lutestring active?
Oak Lutestring: seasonal activity - The single generation flies in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Oak Lutestring?
The caterpillars, which feed on oak, are dull greenish yellow with a black head.