Bohemannia quadrimaculella
This record describes Bohemannia quadrimaculella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan c. 8mm. It has four yellowish spots on the forewings, giving it a fairly distinctive appearance. The adult moth is usually encountered by beating alder (Alnus) trees, and although little is known about its lifecycle, it is presumed to feed on this foodplant, possibly in the buds or the bark of twigs. A rather scarce and local species. It has a scattered distribution across parts of England with further records from Wales and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. The Narborough Bog NR specimen of 28 July 2011 is the first for VC55. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded). No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Bohemannia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around alder.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adult moth is usually encountered by beating alder (Alnus) trees, and although little is known about its lifecycle, it is presumed to feed on this foodplant, possibly in the buds or the bark of twigs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rather scarce and local species. It has a scattered distribution across parts of England with further records from Wales and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Bohemannia quadrimaculella. 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 Bohemannia quadrimaculella
What is Bohemannia quadrimaculella?
Bohemannia quadrimaculella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Bohemannia quadrimaculella found?
Habitat: Around alder.
What is the life cycle of a Bohemannia quadrimaculella?
The adult moth is usually encountered by beating alder (Alnus) trees, and although little is known about its lifecycle, it is presumed to feed on this foodplant, possibly in the buds or the bark of twigs.