Coleophora conspicuella
This record describes Coleophora conspicuella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 13 to 17.5 mm. The adults are yellowish-brown with distinctive white streaks. There are many similar Coleophora species and gen det is necessary to identify them to species. The larva feeds on the leaves of Knapweed species. Adults should be identified by gen det. If possible please provide a photograph to support your record. Cased Larva should be reared through and adult confirmed by gen det as this species is rare in our area. Please also state the larval host plant. Field margins and other grassy places where Common Knapweed occurs. Adults are on the wing in July and August, the cased larva are most likely to be encountered from mid April to June. The cased larva is associated with Common Knapweed. Quite a rare species in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB 2. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.conspicuella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gelechioidea/coleophoridae/coleophora/coleophora-conspicuella/
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
Field margins and other grassy places where Common Knapweed occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are on the wing in July and August, the cased larva are most likely to be encountered from mid April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The cased larva is associated with Common Knapweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite a rare species in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB 2.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Coleophora conspicuella. 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 conspicuella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora conspicuella
What is Coleophora conspicuella?
Coleophora conspicuella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora conspicuella found?
Habitat: Field margins and other grassy places where Common Knapweed occurs.
When is Coleophora conspicuella active?
Coleophora conspicuella: seasonal activity - Adults are on the wing in July and August, the cased larva are most likely to be encountered from mid April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora conspicuella?
The cased larva is associated with Common Knapweed.