Coleophora alticolella
This record describes Coleophora alticolella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to 12 mm. The adults resemble several other Coleophora species, dissection required to confirm ID. The larva feeds on Juncus rush species including Soft-rush, Hard Rush and Compact Rush. Occurring wherever Juncus rush species grow and seed, up to 660 metres above sea level in some years. Flight period June and July, possibly late April and May, at sunrise, dusk and night. The larval case is indistinguishable from C. glaucicolella. There are subtle larval differences, but rearing & dissection is recommended. It is the most widespread and common British Coleophora species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.alticolella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gelechioidea/coleophoridae/coleophora/coleophora-alticolella/ No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Coleophoridae
- Genus
- Coleophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring wherever Juncus rush species grow and seed, up to 660 metres above sea level in some years.
Seasonal Activity
Flight period June and July, possibly late April and May, at sunrise, dusk and night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval case is indistinguishable from C. glaucicolella. There are subtle larval differences, but rearing & dissection is recommended.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is the most widespread and common British Coleophora species. 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 Coleophora alticolella. 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 Coleophora alticolella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora alticolella
What is Coleophora alticolella?
Coleophora alticolella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora alticolella found?
Habitat: Occurring wherever Juncus rush species grow and seed, up to 660 metres above sea level in some years.
When is Coleophora alticolella active?
Coleophora alticolella: seasonal activity - Flight period June and July, possibly late April and May, at sunrise, dusk and night..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora alticolella?
The larval case is indistinguishable from C. glaucicolella. There are subtle larval differences, but rearing & dissection is recommended.