Scoparia basistrigalis
This record describes Scoparia basistrigalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It is rather similar to S. ambigualis in appearance, and is best identified by means of genitalia dissection. A clear set of photographs. showing all critical identification features is required, and/or a voucher specimen may be necessary - check with the County Recorder before releasing the moth. Sometimes found resting on tree trunks in the daytime, and at night will come to light. The larva has only recently been described for the first time. It feeds on the moss Mnium hornum growing on deep soil, which is not deeply shaded. Most frequent in the southern half of England, becoming more locally distributed further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
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
Sometimes found resting on tree trunks in the daytime, and at night will come to light.
Seasonal Activity
Flies in July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva has only recently been described for the first time. It feeds on the moss Mnium hornum growing on deep soil, which is not deeply shaded.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most frequent in the southern half of England, becoming more locally distributed further north. 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 Scoparia basistrigalis. 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 basistrigalis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoparia basistrigalis
What is Scoparia basistrigalis?
Scoparia basistrigalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scoparia basistrigalis found?
Habitat: Sometimes found resting on tree trunks in the daytime, and at night will come to light.
When is Scoparia basistrigalis active?
Scoparia basistrigalis: seasonal activity - Flies in July..
What is the life cycle of a Scoparia basistrigalis?
The larva has only recently been described for the first time. It feeds on the moss Mnium hornum growing on deep soil, which is not deeply shaded.