Coleophora saxicolella
This record describes Coleophora saxicolella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most likely to be seen in areas where the larval foodplants occur. The eggs of this species are laid on the florets of goosefoot (Chenopodium) and orache (Atriplex). The larva makes a silken case, 6-7mm long when fully formed. Pupation occurs in the case on the ground. Widespread but local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
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 likely to be seen in areas where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on the florets of goosefoot (Chenopodium) and orache (Atriplex). The larva makes a silken case, 6-7mm long when fully formed. Pupation occurs in the case on the ground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in Britain. 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 saxicolella. 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 saxicolella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora saxicolella
What is Coleophora saxicolella?
Coleophora saxicolella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora saxicolella found?
Habitat: Most likely to be seen in areas where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Coleophora saxicolella active?
Coleophora saxicolella: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora saxicolella?
The eggs of this species are laid on the florets of goosefoot (Chenopodium) and orache (Atriplex). The larva makes a silken case, 6-7mm long when fully formed. Pupation occurs in the case on the ground.