Carpatolechia proximella
This record describes Carpatolechia proximella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 13 to17 mm. The species is variable in appearance, depending on the amount of brownish scale on the forewing. This moth is found on the wing during May and June. It is widespread and commonly found throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. 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
Various habitats especially woodland.
Seasonal Activity
This moth is found on the wing during May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Birch and Alder.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and commonly found throughout 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 Carpatolechia proximella. 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 Carpatolechia proximella
What is Carpatolechia proximella?
Carpatolechia proximella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Carpatolechia proximella found?
Habitat: Various habitats especially woodland.
When is Carpatolechia proximella active?
Carpatolechia proximella: seasonal activity - This moth is found on the wing during May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Carpatolechia proximella?
The larvae feed on Birch and Alder.