Depressaria badiella
This record describes Depressaria badiella (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species prefers dry, sandy or chalky ground. The adult moths fly in a single generation between July and September, and come to light. The larvae occur from May to July and feed on Cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata), Perennial Sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) or Dandelion (Taraxacum), initially between spun leaves and later amongst the roots. A relatively local species with a scattered distribution over much of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Depressariidae
- Genus
- Depressaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species prefers dry, sandy or chalky ground.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in a single generation between July and September, and come to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae occur from May to July and feed on Cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata), Perennial Sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) or Dandelion (Taraxacum), initially between spun leaves and later amongst the roots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A relatively local species with a scattered distribution over much of the British Isles. 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 Depressaria badiella. 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 Depressaria badiella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Depressaria badiella
What is Depressaria badiella?
Depressaria badiella is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Depressaria badiella found?
Habitat: This species prefers dry, sandy or chalky ground.
When is Depressaria badiella active?
Depressaria badiella: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in a single generation between July and September, and come to light..
What is the life cycle of a Depressaria badiella?
The larvae occur from May to July and feed on Cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata), Perennial Sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) or Dandelion (Taraxacum), initially between spun leaves and later amongst the roots.