Scoparia ambigualis
This record describes Scoparia ambigualis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15-22 mm. One of several very similar moths which can be rather difficult to separate. Scopariinae are a difficult group to identify and sometimes it is necessary to refer to genitalia to be sure. A useful guide can be found at the following LINK Varied habitats including gardens, parkland, woodland, grassland, heathland, scrub and fens. The adults fly from May to July and can be found resting on tree-trunks or rocks. A common species throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Scoparia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Varied habitats including gardens, parkland, woodland, grassland, heathland, scrub and fens.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from May to July and can be found resting on tree-trunks or rocks.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva feeds on various mosses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout Britain. 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 Scoparia ambigualis. 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 Scoparia ambigualis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoparia ambigualis
What is Scoparia ambigualis?
Scoparia ambigualis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scoparia ambigualis found?
Habitat: Varied habitats including gardens, parkland, woodland, grassland, heathland, scrub and fens.
When is Scoparia ambigualis active?
Scoparia ambigualis: seasonal activity - The adults fly from May to July and can be found resting on tree-trunks or rocks..
What is the life cycle of a Scoparia ambigualis?
Larva feeds on various mosses.