Caloptilia robustella
This record describes Caloptilia robustella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to13 mm. Very similar to the related Caloptilia alchimiella, differing in several subtle ways including the yellow blotch on the forewing, which is shorter and less clearly defined in this species. However, 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 alchimiella (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 adult moths occur in a number of generations, any time between April and November. The larva mines a leaf of oak, beech or sweet chestnut. Fairly frequent 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
Usually in well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths occur in a number of generations, any time between April and November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva mines a leaf of oak, beech or sweet chestnut.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent 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 robustella. 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 robustella (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caloptilia robustella
What is Caloptilia robustella?
Caloptilia robustella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia robustella found?
Habitat: Usually in well wooded areas.
When is Caloptilia robustella active?
Caloptilia robustella: seasonal activity - The adult moths occur in a number of generations, any time between April and November..
What is the life cycle of a Caloptilia robustella?
The larva mines a leaf of oak, beech or sweet chestnut.