Phycitodes saxicola
This record describes Phycitodes saxicola (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 17mm. Part of a complex of three very similar species occurring in Britain, this is generally the smallest. To be certain of the identification of adults, reference to the genitalic structure is advised. P. saxicola feeds on various other Compositae flower heads, including chamomile (Anthemis species). Plants on dry substrate, e.g. on walls, dry banks, or old sand dunes, seem to be favoured. Flies in one generation between June and August. The striped larvae are found on ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) flowers and seedheads. The species is generally widespread, most commonly in coastal habitats. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pyralidae
- Genus
- Phycitodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
P. saxicola feeds on various other Compositae flower heads, including chamomile (Anthemis species). Plants on dry substrate, e.g. on walls, dry banks, or old sand dunes, seem to be favoured.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in one generation between June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The striped larvae are found on ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) flowers and seedheads.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is generally widespread, most commonly in coastal habitats. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phycitodes saxicola. 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 Phycitodes saxicola (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phycitodes saxicola
What is Phycitodes saxicola?
Phycitodes saxicola is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phycitodes saxicola found?
Habitat: P. saxicola feeds on various other Compositae flower heads, including chamomile (Anthemis species). Plants on dry substrate, e.g. on walls, dry banks, or old sand dunes, seem to be favoured.
When is Phycitodes saxicola active?
Phycitodes saxicola: seasonal activity - Flies in one generation between June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Phycitodes saxicola?
The striped larvae are found on ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) flowers and seedheads.