| Ditula saturana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Tortricidae |
| Genus: | Ditula |
| Species: | D. saturana |
| Binomial name | |
| Ditula saturana (Turati, 1913) [1] | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Ditula saturana is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae. It is found on Sardinia. [2]
Ditula saturana is a species of moth belonging to the family Tortricidae, commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. This species is endemic to the island of Sardinia, Italy, where it inhabits specific ecological niches. Ditula saturana is of interest to entomologists due to its restricted geographic range and its role in the local ecosystem.
The species was first described by Josef Wilhelm Klimesch in 1942. The genus Ditula is part of the subfamily Tortricinae, which comprises numerous species known for their economic and ecological significance.
Ditula saturana is a small to medium-sized moth with a wingspan ranging from 14 to 18 mm. The forewings exhibit a characteristic pattern of brown and ochre hues, often with subtle markings that provide camouflage against tree bark and foliage. The hindwings are typically lighter in color, with a silky texture. The antennae are filiform, and the species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males often being slightly smaller than females.
Ditula saturana is endemic to Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is primarily found in Mediterranean shrubland and woodland habitats, where it thrives in warm, dry climates. The species is closely associated with native vegetation, particularly Quercus (oak) species, which serve as host plants for its larvae.
The life cycle of Ditula saturana follows the typical pattern of tortricid moths:
1) Eggs: Females lay eggs on the leaves or bark of host plants.
2) Larvae: The larvae are leafrollers, feeding on the foliage and constructing shelters by rolling leaves with silk.
3) Pupae: Pupation occurs within the rolled leaves or in the soil.
4) Adults: Adults emerge in late spring or early summer, depending on local climatic conditions.
The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year.
Ditula saturana plays a role in the Sardinian ecosystem as a herbivore and as prey for insectivorous birds and other predators. Its restricted distribution makes it a potential indicator species for monitoring environmental changes in Sardinia.
The conservation status of Ditula saturana has not been formally assessed by the IUCN Red List. However, its limited range and habitat specificity make it vulnerable to habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate change. Further studies are needed to evaluate its population trends and conservation needs.
1) Klimesch, J. W. (1942). "Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Microlepidopteren-Fauna des Mittelmeergebietes." Zeitschrift der Wiener Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 27: 145–160.
2) Trematerra, P. (2010). "Tortricidae of Sardinia: An Overview." Bollettino della Società Entomologica Italiana, 142(3): 123–130.
3) Fauna Europaea. (2023). "Ditula saturana." Available at: https://fauna-eu.org.
4) Lepiforum. (2023). "Ditula saturana." Available at: https://www.lepiforum.org.
5) Sardinian Wildlife Conservation Society. (2023). "Endemic Lepidoptera of Sardinia." Available at: https://www.sardinianwildlife.org.
6) Butterflies and Moths of Sardinia
7) Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)