Agonopterix angelicella
This record describes Agonopterix angelicella (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18 to 19 mm. The adults rest in a distinctive Depressariidae fashion, with one forewing almost completely overlapping the other. In areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful. Adults are found on the wing between August and September. The larvae feed, often gregariously, among spun leaves or shoots of angelica and hogweed. They can be found in May and June, the large spinnings quite conspicuous. Locally scattered throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Depressariidae
- Genus
- Agonopterix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are found on the wing between August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed, often gregariously, among spun leaves or shoots of angelica and hogweed. They can be found in May and June, the large spinnings quite conspicuous.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally scattered throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Agonopterix angelicella. 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 Agonopterix angelicella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix angelicella
What is Agonopterix angelicella?
Agonopterix angelicella is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix angelicella found?
Habitat: In areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful.
When is Agonopterix angelicella active?
Agonopterix angelicella: seasonal activity - Adults are found on the wing between August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix angelicella?
The larvae feed, often gregariously, among spun leaves or shoots of angelica and hogweed. They can be found in May and June, the large spinnings quite conspicuous.