Coleophora caespititiella
This record describes Coleophora caespititiella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 8 to10 mm. The adults resemble several other Coleophora species, and are most reliably identified by dissection of the genitalia. It flies mid May to June at dusk and night. At the larval stage it can be distinguished from other Juncus feeders by its grey case heavily encrusted with blackish frass and debris, with paler longitudinal expansion grooves. It is widespread and locally common in England, but less so in Wales and Scotland. 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
- Coleophoridae
- Genus
- Coleophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Near to areas with Juncus rush species.
Seasonal Activity
It flies mid May to June at dusk and night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
At the larval stage it can be distinguished from other Juncus feeders by its grey case heavily encrusted with blackish frass and debris, with paler longitudinal expansion grooves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and locally common in England, but less so in Wales and 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 caespititiella. 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 Coleophora caespititiella
What is Coleophora caespititiella?
Coleophora caespititiella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora caespititiella found?
Habitat: Near to areas with Juncus rush species.
When is Coleophora caespititiella active?
Coleophora caespititiella: seasonal activity - It flies mid May to June at dusk and night..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora caespititiella?
At the larval stage it can be distinguished from other Juncus feeders by its grey case heavily encrusted with blackish frass and debris, with paler longitudinal expansion grooves.