Caloptilia alchimiella
This record describes Caloptilia alchimiella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to13 mm. The adults are difficult to distinguish from the recently separated Caloptilia robustella, To be certain of identification, dissection of genitalia is necessary. Where dissection has not taken place, records should be submitted as Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg. Caloptilia robustella is very similar (see recording advice). To be certain of identification, dissection of genitalia is necessary. Where dissection has not taken place, records should be submitted as Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg. The flight period is from May to July, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light. The eggs of this species are laid on the leaves of oak (Quercus). When hatched, the larva at first mines the leaves in a gallery leading to a blotch. Subsequently the larva forms a succession of cones (usually three) by folding the tips of the leaves, and feeding within. Seems to be widespread in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gracillariidae
- Genus
- Caloptilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where oak is present.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from May to July, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on the leaves of oak (Quercus). When hatched, the larva at first mines the leaves in a gallery leading to a blotch. Subsequently the larva forms a succession of cones (usually three) by folding the tips of the leaves, and feeding within.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seems to be widespread in Britain. 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 Caloptilia alchimiella. 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 Caloptilia alchimiella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caloptilia alchimiella
What is Caloptilia alchimiella?
Caloptilia alchimiella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia alchimiella found?
Habitat: Areas where oak is present.
When is Caloptilia alchimiella active?
Caloptilia alchimiella: seasonal activity - The flight period is from May to July, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Caloptilia alchimiella?
The eggs of this species are laid on the leaves of oak (Quercus). When hatched, the larva at first mines the leaves in a gallery leading to a blotch. Subsequently the larva forms a succession of cones (usually three) by folding the tips of the leaves, and feeding within.