Coleophora otidipennella
This record describes Coleophora otidipennella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 12mm. A small Coleophorid, having a greyish appearance streaked with whitish-cream. Adults recorded to light or netted by day will need to be confirmed via dissection. The larva feeds on the seeds of Wood-rush (Luzula) species, forming a whitish or yellowish case. The species is widely distributed and common in suitable habitats over most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's 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
It occupies grassy habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on the seeds of Wood-rush (Luzula) species, forming a whitish or yellowish case.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widely distributed and common in suitable habitats over most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's 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 otidipennella. 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 otidipennella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora otidipennella
What is Coleophora otidipennella?
Coleophora otidipennella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora otidipennella found?
Habitat: It occupies grassy habitats.
When is Coleophora otidipennella active?
Coleophora otidipennella: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora otidipennella?
The larva feeds on the seeds of Wood-rush (Luzula) species, forming a whitish or yellowish case.