Coleophora lutipennella
This record describes Coleophora lutipennella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to12mm. This species is reddish brown in colour. Coleophora flavipennellla also feeds on oak; the larval cases are very similar Most common near to well wooded areas containing oak, but may be encountered almost anywhere. The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August, and are attracted to light, often flying some distance from the host plant. The larvae of this species feed on oak forming a pear shaped silken case, initially on the underside of a leaf, moving its case to an angle of twigs to overwinter. The moth is thought to be common in England, Wales and southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
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
Most common near to well wooded areas containing oak, but may be encountered almost anywhere.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August, and are attracted to light, often flying some distance from the host plant.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed on oak forming a pear shaped silken case, initially on the underside of a leaf, moving its case to an angle of twigs to overwinter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The moth is thought to be common in England, Wales and southern 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 lutipennella. 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 lutipennella (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora lutipennella
What is Coleophora lutipennella?
Coleophora lutipennella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora lutipennella found?
Habitat: Most common near to well wooded areas containing oak, but may be encountered almost anywhere.
When is Coleophora lutipennella active?
Coleophora lutipennella: seasonal activity - The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August, and are attracted to light, often flying some distance from the host plant..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora lutipennella?
The larvae of this species feed on oak forming a pear shaped silken case, initially on the underside of a leaf, moving its case to an angle of twigs to overwinter.