Coleophora violacea
This record describes Coleophora violacea (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9 to11 mm. The adult resembles several other brownish Coleophora species, and examination of the genitalia is necessary. The larva feeds on a wide range of trees, shrubs and herbs. The larval cases are about 6 mm long. The dorsal surface of the case is usually covered in leaf fragments, but they can sometimes be worn off almost smooth. The ventral surface is swollen at the middle and has a keel, which usually bends upwards at the posterior. The case is very similar to Coleophora potentillae, and it may be necessary to rear out the moths. Adult: Adults of this species need to be confirmed by gen det. Cased Larva: The species is rare in our area and records of the larval stage must be supported by good images, showing the larva from different angles and any feeding signs. It may be necessary to rear out the moth. Please also state the host plant when submitting a larval record. The moth flies in evenings and at night in late May and June. The fully developed cased larva are active in October and again in April, after winter diapause. They may also be found through winter, fixed to a tree or fence post (during their winter diapause). Widespread but very infrequent and local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.violacea.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gelechioidea/coleophoridae/coleophora/coleophora-violacea/
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
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The moth flies in evenings and at night in late May and June. The fully developed cased larva are active in October and again in April, after winter diapause. They may also be found through winter, fixed to a tree or fence post (during their winter diapause).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but very infrequent and local in Britain. 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 violacea. 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 violacea (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora violacea
What is Coleophora violacea?
Coleophora violacea is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora violacea found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Coleophora violacea active?
Coleophora violacea: seasonal activity - The moth flies in evenings and at night in late May and June. The fully developed cased larva are active in October and again in April, after winter diapause. They may also be found through winter, fixed to a tree or fence post (during their winter diapause)..