Pammene juniperana
This record describes Pammene juniperana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 8 mm. A very small Tortrix which may initially appear a rather plain brown, but actually has a very distinctive banding pattern with highly reflective scales which under magnification show this to be a very attractive moth. In view of the rarity of this moth the specimen will need to be retained for confirmation. Associated with various Juniper species including Juniper communis and most likely to be encountered in the vicinity of these larval foodplants. August is probably the month when you are most likely to encounter this species in Britain. The larva feed inside the fruits of Juniper species, although larval feeding in Britain has yet to be recorded. First recorded in Britain near Wokingham, Berkshire on 6th August 2018. It seems likely that this is a recent colonist and since its first arrival in Britain we are aware of a total of 8 British records prior to it reaching VC55 all from the south of England. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Pammene
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with various Juniper species including
Seasonal Activity
August is probably the month when you are most likely to encounter this species in Britain.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feed inside the fruits of Juniper species, although larval feeding in Britain has yet to be recorded.
Additional species information
Recorded status
First recorded in Britain near Wokingham, Berkshire on 6th August 2018. It seems likely that this is a recent colonist and since its first arrival in Britain we are aware of a total of 8 British records prior to it reaching VC55 all from the south of England.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pammene juniperana. 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 Pammene juniperana
What is Pammene juniperana?
Pammene juniperana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pammene juniperana found?
Habitat: Associated with various Juniper species including
When is Pammene juniperana active?
Pammene juniperana: seasonal activity - August is probably the month when you are most likely to encounter this species in Britain..
What is the life cycle of a Pammene juniperana?
The larva feed inside the fruits of Juniper species, although larval feeding in Britain has yet to be recorded.