Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Tortricidae
- Subfamily: Tortricinae
- Tribe: Cochylini
- Genus: Aethes
- Species: Aethes sanguinana
The species was first described by the entomologist Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1835.
Description
Aethes sanguinana is a small tortricid moth. The adult wingspan is typically reported to range between 12 mm and 16 mm. The forewings display a variable ground colour that may include shades of brown, ochre, and reddish tones, often with distinctive darker markings. Accurate details of the wing pattern and coloration can differ among individual specimens and regional populations.
Distribution and habitat
The moth is known from various parts of Europe. Recorded occurrences include central and southern European countries, with some reports extending to the Mediterranean region. Specific range limits are not comprehensively mapped, and the full extent of its distribution remains uncertain.
Biology and ecology
- Flight period: Adults have been observed on the wing predominantly from June through August, though exact timing can vary with local climate conditions.
- Larval host plants: Reported larval host plants include species within the genera Convolvulus and Centaurea, where larvae are believed to feed on developing seeds or flower heads. Precise host specificity and developmental details have not been definitively confirmed.
Conservation status
No assessment of the conservation status of Aethes sanguinana has been published by major international bodies such as the IUCN. Consequently, its risk category is currently undetermined.
Notes
While the taxonomic placement and general characteristics of Aethes sanguinana are well‑established, several aspects of its biology—including exact larval host preferences, detailed distribution, and population trends—lack comprehensive, peer‑reviewed documentation.
Accurate information is not confirmed for any statements where scientific literature does not provide definitive evidence.