Depressaria pimpinellae
This record describes Depressaria pimpinellae (species). Recorded family: Depressariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 18mm. This species is rather similar to a number of other, more common species in the sub family Depressariinae and detailed examination by an expert is necessary. Areas where the larval food plants are found. Adult moths generally emerge in September and overwinter, appearing again in the following spring. The larvae feed on Burnet-saxifrage and Greater Burnet-saxifrage in a silken spinning. Distributed in southern England and parts of the Midlands north to Lancashire and Yorkshire, this is a rather local species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.
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
Areas where the larval food plants are found.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths generally emerge in September and overwinter, appearing again in the following spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Burnet-saxifrage and Greater Burnet-saxifrage in a silken spinning.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed in southern England and parts of the Midlands north to Lancashire and Yorkshire, this is a rather local species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Depressaria pimpinellae. 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 pimpinellae (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Depressaria pimpinellae
What is Depressaria pimpinellae?
Depressaria pimpinellae is a species in the family Depressariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Depressaria pimpinellae found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval food plants are found.
When is Depressaria pimpinellae active?
Depressaria pimpinellae: seasonal activity - Adult moths generally emerge in September and overwinter, appearing again in the following spring..
What is the life cycle of a Depressaria pimpinellae?
The larvae feed on Burnet-saxifrage and Greater Burnet-saxifrage in a silken spinning.