Palpita vitrealis
This record describes Palpita vitrealis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 27 to 31 mm. The wings are translucent with a slight sheen and an orange or brown leading edge. As an immigrant to Britain it is often found near to the coast. Autumn is the most likely period to encounter this species. Abroad, the species feeds on Jasmine and Olive. Although widespread in southern Europe, this is an immigrant to the British Isles, appearing most often in the south and south-west of England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Palpita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As an immigrant to Britain it is often found near to the coast.
Seasonal Activity
Autumn is the most likely period to encounter this species.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Abroad, the species feeds on Jasmine and Olive.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although widespread in southern Europe, this is an immigrant to the British Isles, appearing most often in the south and south-west of England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Palpita vitrealis. 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 Palpita vitrealis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palpita vitrealis
What is Palpita vitrealis?
Palpita vitrealis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Palpita vitrealis found?
Habitat: As an immigrant to Britain it is often found near to the coast.
When is Palpita vitrealis active?
Palpita vitrealis: seasonal activity - Autumn is the most likely period to encounter this species..
What is the life cycle of a Palpita vitrealis?
Abroad, the species feeds on Jasmine and Olive.