Agriphila inquinatella
This record describes Agriphila inquinatella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 22 mm. Quite distinctive, but variable, with its whitish or creamy ground colour suffused with darker markings. This species prefers dryer grassy areas. On the wing from July to September, it can be attracted by light. Present throughout most of Britain in suitable habitat, it becomes less common further north. 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
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Agriphila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species prefers dryer grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing from July to September, it can be attracted by light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Present throughout most of Britain in suitable habitat, it becomes less common further north. 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 Agriphila inquinatella. 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 Agriphila inquinatella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agriphila inquinatella
What is Agriphila inquinatella?
Agriphila inquinatella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agriphila inquinatella found?
Habitat: This species prefers dryer grassy areas.
When is Agriphila inquinatella active?
Agriphila inquinatella: seasonal activity - On the wing from July to September, it can be attracted by light..