Caloptilia honoratella
This record describes Caloptilia honoratella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Caloptilia honoratella is a small moth. It's general colouration is a deep cream colour with brown ‘inverted V’ and other markings. The larva feeds on Sycamore producing a silvery upper surface leafmine. Very similar to some other Caloptilia species, especially C. hemidactylella . Adult: Determination by genitalia examination (gen. det.) required Leafmine: If recordeing the silvery upper surface mine on Sycamore a good quality image is required. If the record is for the leaf cones or leaf folds then the moth must be reared and confirmed by gen det. Areas where Acer species such as Sycamore are present. The moth is single brooded, occurring from August to May and hibernating as an adult. The larvae feed on maples such as Sycamore, creating a typical Caloptilia blotch mine between two veins before moving to feed in a rolled cone at a leaf-lobe. The blotch mine is silvery in colour and usually has a number of diverticula (short projections from the main mine). First British record taken in Folkestone, East Kent 16th April 2016 since when it has been found in several other counties in the south and east of England. Previously classed as a rare migrant it is thought that it may now be resident in some areas.
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 Acer species such as Sycamore are present.
Seasonal Activity
The moth is single brooded, occurring from August to May and hibernating as an adult.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on maples such as Sycamore, creating a typical
Additional species information
Recorded status
First British record taken in Folkestone, East Kent 16th April 2016 since when it has been found in several other counties in the south and east of England. Previously classed as a rare migrant it is thought that it may now be resident in some areas.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caloptilia honoratella. 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 honoratella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caloptilia honoratella
What is Caloptilia honoratella?
Caloptilia honoratella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia honoratella found?
Habitat: Areas where Acer species such as Sycamore are present.
When is Caloptilia honoratella active?
Caloptilia honoratella: seasonal activity - The moth is single brooded, occurring from August to May and hibernating as an adult..
What is the life cycle of a Caloptilia honoratella?
The larvae feed on maples such as Sycamore, creating a typical