Aproaerema larseniella
This record describes Aproaerema larseniella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The genus contains several species which are virtually impossible to distinguish except by genitalia dissection, and Aproaerema larseniella is one of these. Easily confused with Aproaerema cinctella among others. Determination by genitalia examination (gen. det.) required. Associated with Greater bird's-foot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus ), and mot likely to be encountered in areas where that plant occurs. The adults fly during June and July and are attracted to light. The larvae feed on Greater bird's-foot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus ), in a spinning between leaves. Distributed mainly in southern and eastern England, very local elsewhere in England and Wales. Early status in Britain is made difficult to determine by the fact that larseniella and cinctella were once considered a single species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Aproaerema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with Greater bird's-foot trefoil (
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly during June and July and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Greater bird's-foot trefoil (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed mainly in southern and eastern England, very local elsewhere in England and Wales. Early status in Britain is made difficult to determine by the fact that
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Aproaerema larseniella. 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 Aproaerema larseniella (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aproaerema larseniella
What is Aproaerema larseniella?
Aproaerema larseniella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Aproaerema larseniella found?
Habitat: Associated with Greater bird's-foot trefoil (
When is Aproaerema larseniella active?
Aproaerema larseniella: seasonal activity - The adults fly during June and July and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Aproaerema larseniella?
The larvae feed on Greater bird's-foot trefoil (