Carpatolechia decorella
This record describes Carpatolechia decorella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 14mm. Although quite variable in intensity of markings and depth of ground colour, this species generally shows a distinctive black bar at the base of the forewing leading edge, a good identification pointer. In areas where the larval food plants are common. The moths emerge in July, and unlike most other members of the group, overwinter, sometimes being found again in the following spring. The larva feeds inside a folded leaf of oak or dogwood. Widespread in mainland Britain, but quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Carpatolechia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas where the larval food plants are common.
Seasonal Activity
The moths emerge in July, and unlike most other members of the group, overwinter, sometimes being found again in the following spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds inside a folded leaf of oak or dogwood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in mainland Britain, but quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Carpatolechia decorella. 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 Carpatolechia decorella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpatolechia decorella
What is Carpatolechia decorella?
Carpatolechia decorella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Carpatolechia decorella found?
Habitat: In areas where the larval food plants are common.
When is Carpatolechia decorella active?
Carpatolechia decorella: seasonal activity - The moths emerge in July, and unlike most other members of the group, overwinter, sometimes being found again in the following spring..
What is the life cycle of a Carpatolechia decorella?
The larva feeds inside a folded leaf of oak or dogwood.