Coleophora sternipennella
This record describes Coleophora sternipennella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 13 mm. One of many similar Coleophora species that require dissection to identify to species level. Please provide a photograph. Determination by genitalia examination (gen. det.) required to confirm records to full species. Waste and disturbed ground where Orache or Goosefoot occur. The larvae feed in a silken case on the seeds of Orache or Goosefoot from September, and overwinter as a larva before pupating in June. It is distributed mostly in the south and south-east of England, but also occurs in Wales and north-east England. It appears to be infrequent, but it is probable that the distribution is imperfectly known due to the difficulties in identification. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. 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
Waste and disturbed ground where Orache or Goosefoot occur.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths appear in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in a silken case on the seeds of Orache or Goosefoot from September, and overwinter as a larva before pupating in June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed mostly in the south and south-east of England, but also occurs in Wales and north-east England. It appears to be infrequent, but it is probable that the distribution is imperfectly known due to the difficulties in identification. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Coleophora sternipennella. 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 sternipennella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora sternipennella
What is Coleophora sternipennella?
Coleophora sternipennella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora sternipennella found?
Habitat: Waste and disturbed ground where Orache or Goosefoot occur.
When is Coleophora sternipennella active?
Coleophora sternipennella: seasonal activity - Adult moths appear in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora sternipennella?
The larvae feed in a silken case on the seeds of Orache or Goosefoot from September, and overwinter as a larva before pupating in June.