Tortricodes alternella
This record describes Tortricodes alternella (species). Recorded family: Tortricidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 23 mm. This is a highly variable sometimes sooty looking species that has an unusually narrow wing shape for a Tortrix. Woodland and well wooded areas particularly those containing the preferred foodplants. One of the earliest of the Tortricids to be on the wing, this species can be found between February and April, and even appearing in January when conditions are favourable. The foodplants are a range of trees and bushes, chiefly Oak and Hornbeam, but often also other species. The larva spins together leaves to feed within. Quite common throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. It is local in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tortricidae
- Genus
- Tortricodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and well wooded areas particularly those containing the preferred foodplants.
Seasonal Activity
One of the earliest of the
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The foodplants are a range of trees and bushes, chiefly Oak and Hornbeam, but often also other species. The larva spins together leaves to feed within.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. It is local in Ireland. 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 Tortricodes alternella. 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 Tortricodes alternella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortricodes alternella
What is Tortricodes alternella?
Tortricodes alternella is a species in the family Tortricidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Tortricodes alternella found?
Habitat: Woodland and well wooded areas particularly those containing the preferred foodplants.
When is Tortricodes alternella active?
Tortricodes alternella: seasonal activity - One of the earliest of the.
What is the life cycle of a Tortricodes alternella?
The foodplants are a range of trees and bushes, chiefly Oak and Hornbeam, but often also other species. The larva spins together leaves to feed within.