Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218
Sonia constrictana
This record describes Sonia constrictana (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult - outer margin of the FW is more concave between veins MI and CUI and the apex is pointed. There is a small ocellus-like spot near the apex of the FW. On the better marked specimens, this spot is blackish and surrounded with yellowish brown. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tortricoidea
- Family
- Tortricidae (Tortricid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Olethreutinae
- Tribe
- Eucosmini
- Genus
- Sonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Records from Illinois, Quebec and Maine, south to Florida and east Texas. Type locality: Texas ( Boll ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet means "constricted" for the "transversely elongated and upwardly constricted dorsal spot (translated from German)."
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Sonia constrictana. 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 Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Tony-2 , Robert Lord Zimlich , Randy Hardy , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218
What is Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218?
Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218 (Sonia constrictana) is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218?
Wingspan 14 mm.
How do you identify Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218?
Adult - outer margin of the FW is more concave between veins MI and CUI and the apex is pointed. There is a small ocellus-like spot near the apex of the FW. On the better marked specimens, this spot is blackish and surrounded with yellowish brown. ( 3 )
Where is Constricted Sonia Moth - Hodges#3218 found?
Range: Records from Illinois, Quebec and Maine, south to Florida and east Texas. Type locality: Texas ( Boll ).