Agonopterix subpropinquella
This record describes Agonopterix subpropinquella (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 22 mm. It can be confused with other species such as A. propinquella, and is usually best identified by dissection. The form rhodochrella is more distinctive, with darker head and thorax, and more prominent wing markings. Areas where the larval foodplants are available. The adults emerge from August, hibernating over the winter. They can sometimes be encountered until the following May. A fairly common species throughout much of England and Wales, becoming scarcer into Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. 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 foodplants are available.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge from August, hibernating over the winter. They can sometimes be encountered until the following May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on knapweed or thistle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common species throughout much of England and Wales, becoming scarcer into Scotland and Ireland. 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 subpropinquella. 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 subpropinquella
What is Agonopterix subpropinquella?
Agonopterix subpropinquella is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix subpropinquella found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplants are available.
When is Agonopterix subpropinquella active?
Agonopterix subpropinquella: seasonal activity - The adults emerge from August, hibernating over the winter. They can sometimes be encountered until the following May..
What is the life cycle of a Agonopterix subpropinquella?
The larvae feed on knapweed or thistle.