Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella
This record describes Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Another potentially undescribed species observed on iNaturalist feeds on Quercus arizonica/grisea/turbinella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gracillarioidea
- Family
- Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Acrocercopinae
- Genus
- Cryptolectica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Oak trees
Geographic Range
NM-AZ-UT-CO (source: iNaturalist observations)
Seasonal Activity
May to September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plant Quercus gambelii
Life History
Starts as a leaf mine, then feeds in a larger blotch until ready to pupate. In captivity, the adult moth emerged 2 weeks after exiting the leaf.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella. 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 Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Elliott Gordon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella
What is Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella?
Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella?
Adult body length 4mm
Where is Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Oak trees |
| Range | NM-AZ-UT-CO (source: iNaturalist observations) |
What does Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella eat?
The diet of the Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella includes Host plant Quercus gambelii.
When is Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella active?
Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella: seasonal activity - May to September.
What is the life cycle of a Cryptolectica undescribed-nr-insulariella?
Starts as a leaf mine, then feeds in a larger blotch until ready to pupate. In captivity, the adult moth emerged 2 weeks after exiting the leaf.