Bryotropha senectella
This record describes Bryotropha senectella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wingspan is 9 to 13 mm. One of several rather similar Bryotropha species. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. The specimen should be retained as determination by genitalia examination (gen. det.) may be required to confirm records to full species Frequents a range of habitats where the foodplants (moss species) occur. Larvae live in silken tubes among certain moss species. Widespread but rather local in Britain. 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
- Bryotropha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequents a range of habitats where the foodplants (moss species) occur.
Seasonal Activity
June to early September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae live in silken tubes among certain moss species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but rather local in Britain. 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 Bryotropha senectella. 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 Bryotropha senectella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryotropha senectella
What is Bryotropha senectella?
Bryotropha senectella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Bryotropha senectella found?
Habitat: Frequents a range of habitats where the foodplants (moss species) occur.
When is Bryotropha senectella active?
Bryotropha senectella: seasonal activity - June to early September..
What is the life cycle of a Bryotropha senectella?
Larvae live in silken tubes among certain moss species.