Coleophora milvipennis
This record describes Coleophora milvipennis (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to13mm. The adult moths have buff to ochreous forewings with a whitish streak along the costa. Similar to a number of other Coleophora species, and gen det is necessary for an accurate id. The larves makes a flattened case, often with serrated edge; it is often recorded mining along the edge of the leaf close to the petiole. There are many species of Coleophora found on birch Various habitats, especially areas containing Birch. There is a single generation with adults in July. The larval foodplant is Birch the larva constructing a long narrow case from which it feeds, creating brown blotches on the leaves. A local species, distributed in the southern half of England to Yorkshire, and in parts of Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.milvipennis.htm
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
Various habitats, especially areas containing Birch.
Seasonal Activity
There is a single generation with adults in July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is Birch the larva constructing a long narrow case from which it feeds, creating brown blotches on the leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species, distributed in the southern half of England to Yorkshire, and in parts of Scotland. 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 milvipennis. 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 milvipennis (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora milvipennis
What is Coleophora milvipennis?
Coleophora milvipennis is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora milvipennis found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially areas containing Birch.
When is Coleophora milvipennis active?
Coleophora milvipennis: seasonal activity - There is a single generation with adults in July..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora milvipennis?
The larval foodplant is Birch the larva constructing a long narrow case from which it feeds, creating brown blotches on the leaves.