Agonopterix nervosa
This record describes Agonopterix nervosa (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 22 mm. The adults vary, but the forewing usually has a distinct whitish band curving from the base of the wing along nearly half of the costa. However, other species share this feature. Fresh adults often have noticeably pink or purplish legs when viewed from certain angles. July to September when it will come to light. Some, at least, overwinter as adults and may appear at light in mid-winter. The larva feeds in May and June from lightly spun shoots of Broom and Gorse and a few other less common species of plant. One of the commonest Agonopterix species with scattered records from around Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Depressariidae
- Subfamily
- Depressariinae
- Genus
- Agonopterix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around areas of Gorse and Broom.
Seasonal Activity
July to September when it will come to light. Some, at least, overwinter as adults and may appear at light in mid-winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds in May and June from lightly spun shoots of Broom and Gorse and a few other less common species of plant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
One of the commonest Agonopterix species with scattered records from around 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 nervosa. 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 nervosa (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix nervosa
What is Agonopterix nervosa?
Agonopterix nervosa is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix nervosa found?
Habitat: Around areas of Gorse and Broom.
When is Agonopterix nervosa active?
Agonopterix nervosa: seasonal activity - July to September when it will come to light. Some, at least, overwinter as adults and may appear at light in mid-winter..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix nervosa?
The larva feeds in May and June from lightly spun shoots of Broom and Gorse and a few other less common species of plant.