Agonopterix umbellana
This record describes Agonopterix umbellana (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 21 mm. This species can resemble the more striated forms of A. nervosa, but has a more rounded termen, with a row of black dots and two brownish lines in the cilia. It also has a dark central line on the thorax. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The adult stage lasts from August to April. It hibernates over winter and can reappear in the early spring. The larvae feed from late May to early August on Gorse and Greenweed from obvious silk tubes as thick as a pencil. Widely but locally distributed throughout the British Isles, it can be locally common among gorse in coastal localities. 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
In areas where Gorse is present.
Seasonal Activity
The adult stage lasts from August to April. It hibernates over winter and can reappear in the early spring. The larvae feed from late May to early August on Gorse and Greenweed from obvious silk tubes as thick as a pencil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely but locally distributed throughout the British Isles, it can be locally common among gorse in coastal localities. 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 umbellana. 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 umbellana
What is Agonopterix umbellana?
Agonopterix umbellana is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agonopterix umbellana found?
Habitat: In areas where Gorse is present.
When is Agonopterix umbellana active?
Agonopterix umbellana: seasonal activity - The adult stage lasts from August to April. It hibernates over winter and can reappear in the early spring. The larvae feed from late May to early August on Gorse and Greenweed from obvious silk tubes as thick as a pencil..