Agonopterix purpurea
This record describes Agonopterix purpurea (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 13 to15 mm. It is one of the smallest of the Agonopterix genus, but also one of the more distinctively coloured and patterned. This is a scarce species in our area – photographs are required to support records. Adults emerge from August, overwintering and reappearing in spring. In late summer and autumn, the larva feeds in rolled leaves of Cow Parsley and Wild Carrot among other species. A relatively local species, occurring mostly in the southern half of England and Wales. 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
Prefers dry, grassy habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge from August, overwintering and reappearing in spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In late summer and autumn, the larva feeds in rolled leaves of Cow Parsley and Wild Carrot among other species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A relatively local species, occurring mostly in the southern half of England and Wales. 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 purpurea. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agonopterix purpurea
What is Agonopterix purpurea?
Agonopterix purpurea is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix purpurea found?
Habitat: Prefers dry, grassy habitats.
When is Agonopterix purpurea active?
Agonopterix purpurea: seasonal activity - Adults emerge from August, overwintering and reappearing in spring..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix purpurea?
In late summer and autumn, the larva feeds in rolled leaves of Cow Parsley and Wild Carrot among other species.