Agonopterix liturosa
This record describes Agonopterix liturosa (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17 to 20 mm. One of the more distinctive Agonopterix species, with its combination of well-marked purplish-brown forewings and buffish thorax and head. Areas where the larval foodplant is common. The normal flight period for the adults is July to August, when the species is attracted to light. The larva feeds on St. Johns-wort spinning together the shoots and feeding within. Locally scattered in England and Wales, becoming less frequent into Scotland. 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
Areas where the larval foodplant is common.
Seasonal Activity
The normal flight period for the adults is July to August, when the species is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on St. Johns-wort spinning together the shoots and feeding within.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally scattered in England and Wales, becoming less frequent into Scotland. 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 liturosa. 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 liturosa (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix liturosa
What is Agonopterix liturosa?
Agonopterix liturosa is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix liturosa found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplant is common.
When is Agonopterix liturosa active?
Agonopterix liturosa: seasonal activity - The normal flight period for the adults is July to August, when the species is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix liturosa?
The larva feeds on St. Johns-wort spinning together the shoots and feeding within.