Phycita roborella
This record describes Phycita roborella (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 24 to 29 mm. The adults of this quite attractive species have a subtle pattern of red, black and grey on the upper wings. Various especially in well wooded areas containing Oak. The single generation is on the wing in July and August, when it flies from dusk into the night and is attracted to light. The larvae feed on Oak, spinning leaves together with silk. Most British records come from England especially southern England. It can be reasonably common in suitable habitat. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Phycita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various especially in well wooded areas containing Oak.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation is on the wing in July and August, when it flies from dusk into the night and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Oak, spinning leaves together with silk.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most British records come from England especially southern England. It can be reasonably common in suitable habitat. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phycita roborella. 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 Phycita roborella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phycita roborella
What is Phycita roborella?
Phycita roborella is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phycita roborella found?
Habitat: Various especially in well wooded areas containing Oak.
When is Phycita roborella active?
Phycita roborella: seasonal activity - The single generation is on the wing in July and August, when it flies from dusk into the night and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Phycita roborella?
The larvae feed on Oak, spinning leaves together with silk.