Rhopobota myrtillana
This record describes Rhopobota myrtillana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. A moorland and heathland species found in areas where Bilberry is present. May and June when the moth can be seen in the late afternoon/early evening sunshine, in flight over its foodplant. This species has a more northern distribution. Although it is found widely throughout Britain, its distribution is limited by the availability of its foodplant. 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
- Rhopobota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A moorland and heathland species found in areas where Bilberry is present.
Seasonal Activity
May and June when the moth can be seen in the late afternoon/early evening sunshine, in flight over its foodplant.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on Bilberry.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species has a more northern distribution. Although it is found widely throughout Britain, its distribution is limited by the availability of its foodplant. 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 Rhopobota myrtillana. 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 Rhopobota myrtillana
What is Rhopobota myrtillana?
Rhopobota myrtillana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Rhopobota myrtillana found?
Habitat: A moorland and heathland species found in areas where Bilberry is present.
When is Rhopobota myrtillana active?
Rhopobota myrtillana: seasonal activity - May and June when the moth can be seen in the late afternoon/early evening sunshine, in flight over its foodplant..
What is the life cycle of a Rhopobota myrtillana?
The larva feeds on Bilberry.