Definition
Bactra angulata is a species of moth belonging to the family Tortricidae, commonly referred to as tortrix moths.
Overview
-
Taxonomic classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Tortricidae
- Subfamily: Olethreutinae
- Genus: Bactra
- Species: B. angulata
-
Authority
The species was first described by the British entomologist Edward Meyrick in 1909. -
Distribution
Records of Bactra angulata have been documented from parts of South Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. Further detailed distribution data are limited. -
Habitat
Like other members of the genus Bactra, the species inhabits grassy and marshy environments where host plants are available. Specific habitat preferences for B. angulata have not been extensively studied.
Etymology/Origin
The generic name Bactra is derived from Greek, historically used to denote a type of boat, possibly alluding to the streamlined shape of the moths in this genus. The species epithet angulata comes from the Latin word angulatus, meaning “angled” or “having corners,” likely referring to a distinctive angular pattern or shape observed on the wings of the moth.
Characteristics
-
Morphology
- Wingspan: Approximately 12–15 mm, typical for small tortricid moths.
- Forewings: Usually pale brownish‑grey with subtle darker markings; the name angulata suggests the presence of angular markings or fasciae, though detailed descriptions are sparse.
- Hindwings: Generally uniform greyish‑brown.
-
Life cycle
Specific information on the larval host plants, developmental stages, and phenology of B. angulata has not been comprehensively recorded. As with other Bactra species, larvae are presumed to feed within the stems or leaf sheaths of grasses or sedges.
Related Topics
- Tortricidae – the family of moths known for leaf‑rolling larvae.
- Genus Bactra – a worldwide genus comprising numerous species associated with grasses and marsh plants.
- Edward Meyrick (1854–1938) – prolific lepidopterist who described many micro‑moth species, including B. angulata.
- Lepidoptera of South Asia – broader context for the biodiversity of moths in the region where B. angulata occurs.
Note: Detailed morphological descriptions, precise distribution maps, and ecological data for Bactra angulata remain limited in the scientific literature. Accurate information on these aspects is not confirmed.