Agriphila selasella
This record describes Agriphila selasella (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 26 mm. Although superficially resembling Agriphila tristella , this species has the forewing tip more squared, a much reduced facial cone and a whiter longitudinal streak which doesn't have quite such obvious 'fingers' at the rear. Often associated with coastal habitats, though not exclusively. The larvae feed in a silken gallery on grasses, including Common Saltmarsh-grass and Sheep's-fescue. It is a local species, occurring in England, Wales, southern Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
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
Often associated with coastal habitats, though not exclusively.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in a silken gallery on grasses, including Common Saltmarsh-grass and Sheep's-fescue.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is a local species, occurring in England, Wales, southern Scotland and Ireland. 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 Agriphila selasella. 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 selasella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agriphila selasella
What is Agriphila selasella?
Agriphila selasella is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Agriphila selasella found?
Habitat: Often associated with coastal habitats, though not exclusively.
When is Agriphila selasella active?
Agriphila selasella: seasonal activity - The flight period is July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Agriphila selasella?
The larvae feed in a silken gallery on grasses, including Common Saltmarsh-grass and Sheep's-fescue.