Rhyacionia pinicolana
This record describes Rhyacionia pinicolana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 23 mm.This species bears a close resemblance to R. buoliana, but has generally slightly stronger markings on the forewing and a shallower 'V' marking towards the rear. In difficult cases it may be necessary to refer to genitalia dissection to confirm identity. The moths fly during July and August and are generally nocturnal, though it can be disturbed during the day. The larvae feed on the shoots of Scots Pine, in a manner similar to that of R. buoliana. It is distributed over much of England, but is rather rare elsewhere. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Rhyacionia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favouring pine woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly during July and August and are generally nocturnal, though it can be disturbed during the day.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the shoots of Scots Pine, in a manner similar to that of R. buoliana.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed over much of England, but is rather rare elsewhere. 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 Rhyacionia pinicolana. 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 Rhyacionia pinicolana (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyacionia pinicolana
What is Rhyacionia pinicolana?
Rhyacionia pinicolana is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Rhyacionia pinicolana found?
Habitat: Favouring pine woodland.
When is Rhyacionia pinicolana active?
Rhyacionia pinicolana: seasonal activity - The moths fly during July and August and are generally nocturnal, though it can be disturbed during the day..
What is the life cycle of a Rhyacionia pinicolana?
The larvae feed on the shoots of Scots Pine, in a manner similar to that of R. buoliana.