Agonopterix heracliana agg.
This record describes Agonopterix heracliana agg. (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Agonopterix heracliana is one of a group of very similar looking species. Identification can be difficult. Confusion with Agonopterix ciliella is particularly likely. Separation of these two species is possible based on the hindwing (see individual species pages). Where this has not taken place records should be added to the aggregate page. Agonopterix heracliana is one of a group of very similar looking species. Identification can be difficult. Confusion with Agonopterix ciliella is particularly likely. Separation of these two species is possible based on the hindwing (see individual species pages). Where this has not taken place records should be added to the aggregate page. Gardens, waste ground, woodland edges and a wide range of other habitats. This moth can be found on the wing any time from September through to April. The larvae spin the leaves of a variety of umbelliferous plants, occurring between May and July. The aggregate of these species is common throughout most of Britain with Agonopterix heracliana being the most common of the individual 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
Gardens, waste ground, woodland edges and a wide range of other habitats.
Seasonal Activity
This moth can be found on the wing any time from September through to April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae spin the leaves of a variety of umbelliferous plants, occurring between May and July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The aggregate of these species is common throughout most of Britain with Agonopterix heracliana being the most common of the individual species.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Agonopterix heracliana agg.. 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 heracliana agg. (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix heracliana agg.
What is Agonopterix heracliana agg.?
Agonopterix heracliana agg. is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Agonopterix heracliana agg.?
can be difficult. Confusion with Agonopterix ciliella is particularly likely. Separation of these two species is possible based on the hindwing (see individual species pages). Where this has not taken place records should be added to the aggregate page.
Where is Agonopterix heracliana agg. found?
Habitat: Gardens, waste ground, woodland edges and a wide range of other habitats.
When is Agonopterix heracliana agg. active?
Agonopterix heracliana agg.: seasonal activity - This moth can be found on the wing any time from September through to April..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix heracliana agg.?
The larvae spin the leaves of a variety of umbelliferous plants, occurring between May and July.