Pediasia contaminella
This record describes Pediasia contaminella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It flies during July and August and is attracted to light. The larvae feed in a silken tube amongst grasses such as sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina). Distributed mainly in the southern counties, this is a rather local species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Pediasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers dry grassy habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It flies during July and August and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in a silken tube amongst grasses such as sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed mainly in the southern counties, this is a rather local species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pediasia contaminella. 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 Pediasia contaminella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediasia contaminella
What is Pediasia contaminella?
Pediasia contaminella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pediasia contaminella found?
Habitat: Prefers dry grassy habitats.
When is Pediasia contaminella active?
Pediasia contaminella: seasonal activity - It flies during July and August and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Pediasia contaminella?
The larvae feed in a silken tube amongst grasses such as sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina).