Coleophora taeniipennella
This record describes Coleophora taeniipennella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This moth is found in damp habitats and is associated with various Juncus species, most commonly Jointed Rush and Sharp-flowered Rush. The adult moths fly in a single generation in June and July. The larvae feed on the seeds of Juncus species and create a silken case with the seed husk around it. Seems to be widespread in Britain, but apparently not regularly recorded, probably due to the difficulty of identification. 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
This moth is found in damp habitats and is associated with various Juncus species, most commonly Jointed Rush and Sharp-flowered Rush.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in a single generation in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds of Juncus species and create a silken case with the seed husk around it.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seems to be widespread in Britain, but apparently not regularly recorded, probably due to the difficulty of identification. 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 taeniipennella. 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 taeniipennella (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora taeniipennella
What is Coleophora taeniipennella?
Coleophora taeniipennella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora taeniipennella found?
Habitat: This moth is found in damp habitats and is associated with various Juncus species, most commonly Jointed Rush and Sharp-flowered Rush.
When is Coleophora taeniipennella active?
Coleophora taeniipennella: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in a single generation in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora taeniipennella?
The larvae feed on the seeds of Juncus species and create a silken case with the seed husk around it.