Caloptilia semifascia
This record describes Caloptilia semifascia (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Caloptilia semifascia is a small moth with a wingspan of 10 to 12 mm. The angled light streak starting at the leading edge of the forewing is characteristic, but it can be obscured on darker specimens. The larva mines the leaves of Sycamore. The early mine is a gallery leading to a squarish blotch. It later forms up to three successive tubes or cones by folding the tips of leaves downwards . The moth must be bred to identify. Larval stage: The mines/leaf-folds cannt be distinguihed from other Caloptilia on Acer; the larva must be reared so that the adult can be identified. Wherever Acer species are present, notably Field Maple, Sycamore or Norway Maple. Flies from late July to October and again, after hibernating, until May. Has been recorded on various Acer spp., including Field Maple, Sycamore and Norway Maple. It is widespread in southern England and South Wales, but Outlying populations occur in Caernarvonshire-Denbighshire and in Cumbria-Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. Caloptilia sp. cones on Acer spp. are no longer considered to be reliably identifiable without rearing to adult for det. This follows the colonisation of Caloptilia honoratella and the re-colonisation of Caloptilia hemidactylella, a re-appraisal of foodplant preferences, plus potential for colonisation by other European Acer-feeding Caloptilia spp. Plant C, (2022), The Status of Caloptilia honoratella (Rebel, 1914) and Caloptilia hemidactylella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1774) in Britain with a note on two similar additional Acer-feeding Caloptilia that might appear in Britain (Lep,; Gracillariidae). Entomologist's Rec. J. Var. 134;1, 21-39
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
Wherever Acer species are present, notably Field Maple, Sycamore or Norway Maple.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from late July to October and again, after hibernating, until May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Has been recorded on various Acer spp., including Field Maple, Sycamore and Norway Maple.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread in southern England and South Wales, but Outlying populations occur in Caernarvonshire-Denbighshire and in Cumbria-Yorkshire. 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 Caloptilia semifascia. 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 semifascia (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caloptilia semifascia
What is Caloptilia semifascia?
Caloptilia semifascia is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia semifascia found?
Habitat: Wherever Acer species are present, notably Field Maple, Sycamore or Norway Maple.
When is Caloptilia semifascia active?
Caloptilia semifascia: seasonal activity - Flies from late July to October and again, after hibernating, until May..
What is the life cycle of a Caloptilia semifascia?
Has been recorded on various Acer spp., including Field Maple, Sycamore and Norway Maple.