Scoparia pyralella
This record describes Scoparia pyralella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17-22 mm. A fairly distinctive Scoparia species, with a short and broad appearance and pale brown markings. 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 The adults are on the wing in June and July, mainly at night but they also rest on rocks and tree trunks during the day. The larvae feed on various decaying plant matter and possibly roots of Ragwort. It is fairly common over most of Britain, though less so in Scotland. 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
Prefers open country.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are on the wing in June and July, mainly at night but they also rest on rocks and tree trunks during the day.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on various decaying plant matter and possibly roots of Ragwort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common over most of Britain, though less so in Scotland. 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 pyralella. 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 pyralella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoparia pyralella
What is Scoparia pyralella?
Scoparia pyralella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scoparia pyralella found?
Habitat: Prefers open country.
When is Scoparia pyralella active?
Scoparia pyralella: seasonal activity - The adults are on the wing in June and July, mainly at night but they also rest on rocks and tree trunks during the day..
What is the life cycle of a Scoparia pyralella?
The larvae feed on various decaying plant matter and possibly roots of Ragwort.