Caloptilia robustella
Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg.
This record describes Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg. (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to13 mm. Caloptilia alchimiella was recently separated from Caloptilia robustella and the two species are very similar (see recording advice). The mines of the two species are very similar. Initially this is a short gallery leading to a blotch, and then both species form leaf cones by folding down the leaf-tip. To be certain of identification to species level, dissection of genitalia is necessary. Where dissection has not taken place, records should be submitted as Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg. The flight period (combined for the two species) is from May to October, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light. Fairly frequent and widespread as an aggregate in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Often associated with Oak.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period (combined for the two species) is from May to October, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread as an aggregate in Britain.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg.. 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 Caloptilia robustella
What is Caloptilia robustella?
Caloptilia robustella (Caloptilia robustella - alchimiella agg.) is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia robustella found?
Habitat: Often associated with Oak.
When is Caloptilia robustella active?
Caloptilia robustella: seasonal activity - The flight period (combined for the two species) is from May to October, and the moths can sometimes be attracted to light..