Coleophora versurella
This record describes Coleophora versurella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to15 mm. The adults are similar to several other species and are best identified by reference to the genitalia. This moth inhabits a variety of open habitats. It is on the wing from June to September and is mainly nocturnal. The larval foodplants are mainly orache and goosefoot. In its later stages, the larva creates a case made from silk and specks of plant material or droppings. Occurring locally in England and Wales and parts of southern Ireland. 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
This moth inhabits a variety of open habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It is on the wing from June to September and is mainly nocturnal.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are mainly orache and goosefoot. In its later stages, the larva creates a case made from silk and specks of plant material or droppings.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring locally in England and Wales and parts of southern Ireland. 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 versurella. 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 versurella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora versurella
What is Coleophora versurella?
Coleophora versurella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora versurella found?
Habitat: This moth inhabits a variety of open habitats.
When is Coleophora versurella active?
Coleophora versurella: seasonal activity - It is on the wing from June to September and is mainly nocturnal..
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora versurella?
The larval foodplants are mainly orache and goosefoot. In its later stages, the larva creates a case made from silk and specks of plant material or droppings.