Depressaria chaerophylli
This record describes Depressaria chaerophylli (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 22 mm. A well-marked member of the Depressariinae. Fresh, well-marked specimens may be identifiable from a good photograph, but worn individuals may need to be confirmed by reference to the genitalia. For adults, a photo is required and the specimen should be retained until confirmed by an expert. Worn specimens will require dissection. Verges and hedgerows where Rough Chervil is present. The moths emerge in July and August, and hibernate during the winter, after which they may appear until April. The colourful larvae feed on Rough Chervil. It has a scattered distribution over much of the southern half of England and just extending into south Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
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
Verges and hedgerows where Rough Chervil is present.
Seasonal Activity
The moths emerge in July and August, and hibernate during the winter, after which they may appear until April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The colourful larvae feed on Rough Chervil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It has a scattered distribution over much of the southern half of England and just extending into south Wales. 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 chaerophylli. 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 chaerophylli (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Depressaria chaerophylli
What is Depressaria chaerophylli?
Depressaria chaerophylli is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Depressaria chaerophylli found?
Habitat: Verges and hedgerows where Rough Chervil is present.
When is Depressaria chaerophylli active?
Depressaria chaerophylli: seasonal activity - The moths emerge in July and August, and hibernate during the winter, after which they may appear until April..
What is the life cycle of a Depressaria chaerophylli?
The colourful larvae feed on Rough Chervil.