Agonopterix arenella
This record describes Agonopterix arenella (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 23 mm. The posture of this moth is typical of many of the Depressariinae which rest with flattened, overlapping wings. It is a nocturnal flier and is attracted to light. This species hatches in the autumn and spends the winter as an adult. The larvae feed on Thistle and Knapweed. Occurs fairly frequently throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Agonopterix arenella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agonopterix arenella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Depressariidae (Flat-bodied moths)
- Subfamily
- Depressariinae
- Genus
- Agonopterix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It is a nocturnal flier and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species hatches in the autumn and spends the winter as an adult. The larvae feed on Thistle and Knapweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs fairly frequently throughout Britain. 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 Agonopterix arenella. 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 arenella (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix arenella
What is Agonopterix arenella?
Agonopterix arenella is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix arenella found?
Habitat: Found in various habitats.
When is Agonopterix arenella active?
Agonopterix arenella: seasonal activity - It is a nocturnal flier and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix arenella?
This species hatches in the autumn and spends the winter as an adult. The larvae feed on Thistle and Knapweed.