Spoladea recurvalis
This record describes Spoladea recurvalis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan approximately 23mm. An unmistakably marked brown and white moth. Because of the rarity of this species in our area a photograph is required to support your record. First recorded in the UK in 1951. It is associated with Maize, Beet and other crops on the continent, but occurs as a scarce migrant in Britain with no known larval records. Most frequently recorded during favourable migration conditions in September - October. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Spoladea recurvalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoladea recurvalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Spilomelinae
- Tribe
- Hymeniini
- Genus
- Spoladea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
First recorded in the UK in 1951. It is associated with Maize, Beet and other crops on the continent, but occurs as a scarce migrant in Britain with no known larval records.
Seasonal Activity
Most frequently recorded during favourable migration conditions in September - October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite a rare migrant to Britain.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Spoladea recurvalis. 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 Spoladea recurvalis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spoladea recurvalis
What is Spoladea recurvalis?
Spoladea recurvalis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Spoladea recurvalis found?
Habitat: First recorded in the UK in 1951. It is associated with Maize, Beet and other crops on the continent, but occurs as a scarce migrant in Britain with no known larval records.
When is Spoladea recurvalis active?
Spoladea recurvalis: seasonal activity - Most frequently recorded during favourable migration conditions in September - October..