Sitochroa verticalis
This record describes Sitochroa verticalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 32 mm. It has a resemblance to Ostrinia nubilalis but has subtle differences in the forewing and a more strongly-marked underside. The adults fly in June and July. They are attracted to light, but are also readily disturbed by day. The larva feeds on a number of plants such as creeping thistle, broom and goosefoot. Distributed mainly in the southern half of England, Sitochroa verticalis is resident but also a sporadic immigrant, reinforcing the population from time to time. 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
- Sitochroa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy areas
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in June and July. They are attracted to light, but are also readily disturbed by day.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on a number of plants such as creeping thistle, broom and goosefoot.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed mainly in the southern half of England, Sitochroa verticalis is resident but also a sporadic immigrant, reinforcing the population from time to time. 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 Sitochroa verticalis. 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 Sitochroa verticalis (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sitochroa verticalis
What is Sitochroa verticalis?
Sitochroa verticalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Sitochroa verticalis found?
Habitat: Grassy areas
When is Sitochroa verticalis active?
Sitochroa verticalis: seasonal activity - The adults fly in June and July. They are attracted to light, but are also readily disturbed by day..
What is the life cycle of a Sitochroa verticalis?
The larva feeds on a number of plants such as creeping thistle, broom and goosefoot.