Coleophora argentula
This record describes Coleophora argentula (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9.5 to 13 mm. This moth is similar to some other Coleophora species and gen det is necessary for identification. The larva feeds in the flowers of Yarrow or Sneezewort. Photograph the cased larva on the flower head; note host species in comments The females lay their eggs on the flowers of Yarrow or Sneezewort and favour areas where either of these plants is present. This moth emerges in a single generation, flying in July and August, sometimes coming to light. Early instars of the larvae are spent within the seedhead. Each forms a silken case, initially white, but brown when fully formed and about 5 or 6mm long. Pupation takes place within the case. The moth is widespread in Southern England and Wales, and is also found in Central Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.argentula.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gelechioidea/coleophoridae/coleophora/coleophora-argentula/
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
The females lay their eggs on the flowers of Yarrow or Sneezewort and favour areas where either of these plants is present.
Seasonal Activity
This moth emerges in a single generation, flying in July and August, sometimes coming to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Early instars of the larvae are spent within the seedhead. Each forms a silken case, initially white, but brown when fully formed and about 5 or 6mm long. Pupation takes place within the case.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The moth is widespread in Southern England and Wales, and is also found in Central Scotland. 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 argentula. 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 argentula (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora argentula
What is Coleophora argentula?
Coleophora argentula is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora argentula found?
Habitat: The females lay their eggs on the flowers of Yarrow or Sneezewort and favour areas where either of these plants is present.
When is Coleophora argentula active?
Coleophora argentula: seasonal activity - This moth emerges in a single generation, flying in July and August, sometimes coming to light..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora argentula?
Early instars of the larvae are spent within the seedhead. Each forms a silken case, initially white, but brown when fully formed and about 5 or 6mm long. Pupation takes place within the case.