Pseudosciaphila branderiana
This record describes Pseudosciaphila branderiana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 21 to 27 mm. One of the largest in its family, the typical form of this species is relatively plain in appearance. There is a 'banded' form, wahlhomiana however, which is quite common. The larvae feed on Aspen either rolling a leaf or spinning two leaves together with silk, in typical Tortrix fashion. Found in the southern half of England, it is relatively uncommon but widely distributed. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Pseudosciaphila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where the larval foodplant is found.
Seasonal Activity
June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Aspen either rolling a leaf or spinning two leaves together with silk, in typical Tortrix fashion.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found in the southern half of England, it is relatively uncommon but widely distributed. 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 Pseudosciaphila branderiana. 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 Pseudosciaphila branderiana
What is Pseudosciaphila branderiana?
Pseudosciaphila branderiana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pseudosciaphila branderiana found?
Habitat: Where the larval foodplant is found.
When is Pseudosciaphila branderiana active?
Pseudosciaphila branderiana: seasonal activity - June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Pseudosciaphila branderiana?
The larvae feed on Aspen either rolling a leaf or spinning two leaves together with silk, in typical Tortrix fashion.