Coleophora coracipennella
This record describes Coleophora coracipennella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 8.5 to11.5 mm. This is a dark, fuscous species. Dissection is needed to confirm the identity of this moth as it may be confused with other Coleophora species. Areas where the larval foodplants occur. Adults emerge in a single generation from mid-June to the end of July. The larvae of this species feed on Blackthorn, Apple, Cherry and Hawthorn. The larva initially makes a blotch mine in the leaf, which it then excises to form its case. The larva overwinters in its case before resuming feeding in spring. A new case, 6 or 7mm long, is then constructed from a further blotch mine. Pupation occurs within the case in June. In common with many other Coleophoras the case is attached to the upper side of a leaf during this stage of the moths life cycle. The moth occurs in scattered colonies where the foodplants grow in England, Scotland and south Wales. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. 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
Areas where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in a single generation from mid-June to the end of July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed on Blackthorn, Apple, Cherry and Hawthorn. The larva initially makes a blotch mine in the leaf, which it then excises to form its case. The larva overwinters in its case before resuming feeding in spring. A new case, 6 or 7mm long, is then constructed from a further blotch mine. Pupation occurs within the case in June. In common with many other Coleophoras the case is attached to the upper side of a leaf during this stage of the moths life cycle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The moth occurs in scattered colonies where the foodplants grow in England, Scotland and south Wales. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Coleophora coracipennella. 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 coracipennella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora coracipennella
What is Coleophora coracipennella?
Coleophora coracipennella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora coracipennella found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Coleophora coracipennella active?
Coleophora coracipennella: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in a single generation from mid-June to the end of July..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora coracipennella?
The larvae of this species feed on Blackthorn, Apple, Cherry and Hawthorn. The larva initially makes a blotch mine in the leaf, which it then excises to form its case. The larva overwinters in its case before resuming feeding in spring. A new case, 6 or 7mm long, is then constructed from a further blotch mine. Pupation occurs within the case in June. In common with many other Coleophoras the case is attached to the upper side of a leaf during this stage of the moths life cycle.