Agonopterix propinquella
This record describes Agonopterix propinquella (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Areas where the larval foodplants are found. The adults emerge in a single generation in September, and hibernate through the winter, re-emerging in spring. The moth often comes to light. The eggs of this species are laid on a leaf of Creeping Thistle or Spear Thistle with the larvae mining the underside if the leaf, until a late instar where it feeds in a web under the midrib of the leaf, causing visible blotching on the upperside. The larvae pupate in August, usually amongst the leaf litter, occasionally within the web. The species is found locally in England, Wales and southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
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 foodplants are found.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in a single generation in September, and hibernate through the winter, re-emerging in spring. The moth often comes to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on a leaf of Creeping Thistle or Spear Thistle with the larvae mining the underside if the leaf, until a late instar where it feeds in a web under the midrib of the leaf, causing visible blotching on the upperside. The larvae pupate in August, usually amongst the leaf litter, occasionally within the web.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is found locally in England, Wales and southern 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 propinquella. 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 propinquella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix propinquella
What is Agonopterix propinquella?
Agonopterix propinquella is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix propinquella found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplants are found.
When is Agonopterix propinquella active?
Agonopterix propinquella: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in a single generation in September, and hibernate through the winter, re-emerging in spring. The moth often comes to light..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix propinquella?
The eggs of this species are laid on a leaf of Creeping Thistle or Spear Thistle with the larvae mining the underside if the leaf, until a late instar where it feeds in a web under the midrib of the leaf, causing visible blotching on the upperside. The larvae pupate in August, usually amongst the leaf litter, occasionally within the web.