Chrysoclista linneella
This record describes Chrysoclista linneella (species). Recorded family: Parametriotidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 12mm. An attractive species, sporting metallic leaden blotches against a bright orange ground colour. There is an extended emergence period for the adults, being on the wing from May to September. The larvae feed under the bark of Lime trees, and are difficult to locate except for the existence of brownish frass on the surface. This moth has a predominantly south-eastern distribution in England, but does extend into Yorkshire and South Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysoclista linneella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysoclista_linneella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Parametriotidae (Grass Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Agonoxeninae
- Genus
- Chrysoclista
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Lime trees are present.
Seasonal Activity
There is an extended emergence period for the adults, being on the wing from May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed under the bark of Lime trees, and are difficult to locate except for the existence of brownish frass on the surface.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth has a predominantly south-eastern distribution in England, but does extend into Yorkshire and South Wales. 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 Chrysoclista linneella. 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 Chrysoclista linneella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysoclista linneella
What is Chrysoclista linneella?
Chrysoclista linneella is a species in the family Parametriotidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Chrysoclista linneella found?
Habitat: Where Lime trees are present.
When is Chrysoclista linneella active?
Chrysoclista linneella: seasonal activity - There is an extended emergence period for the adults, being on the wing from May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysoclista linneella?
The larvae feed under the bark of Lime trees, and are difficult to locate except for the existence of brownish frass on the surface.