Cocksfoot Moth
Glyphipterix simpliciella
This record describes Glyphipterix simpliciella (species). Recorded family: Glyphipterigidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 6-9 mm. The moths are tiny (3 or 4 mm long) and are easily overlooked but when inspected closely can be seen slowly 'pumping' their wings slightly open and closed. Flower meadows, especially those rich with Buttercups. It can be found in good numbers between May and July visiting flowers, especially those of Buttercup ( Ranunculus ). There can sometimes be 20 or more to one flower. The larval foodplant is mainly the grass Cock's-foot ( Dactylis glomerata ) where the tiny caterpillars feed on the seeds, later pupating in the stem. A very common species in much of Britain and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Glyphipterix simpliciella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyphipterix_simpliciella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Glyphipterigidae
- Genus
- Glyphipterix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flower meadows, especially those rich with Buttercups.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found in good numbers between May and July visiting flowers, especially those of Buttercup (
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is mainly the grass Cock's-foot (
Additional species information
Recorded status
A very common species in much of Britain and Ireland. 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 Glyphipterix simpliciella. 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 Cocksfoot Moth (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocksfoot Moth
What is Cocksfoot Moth?
Cocksfoot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella) is a species in the family Glyphipterigidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cocksfoot Moth found?
Habitat: Flower meadows, especially those rich with Buttercups.
When is Cocksfoot Moth active?
Cocksfoot Moth: seasonal activity - It can be found in good numbers between May and July visiting flowers, especially those of Buttercup (.
What is the life cycle of a Cocksfoot Moth?
The larval foodplant is mainly the grass Cock's-foot (