Etainia decentella
This record describes Etainia decentella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 5 to 8 mm. This well-marked moth is one of the few of this group recognisable by forewing markings alone. Leafmine occurs in the keys of Sycamore and certain other Acer species. https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/etainia/etainia-decentella/ They may often be found resting on sycamore trunks, and are also attracted to light. The adults emerge in two generations, in June and August. The larvae form slender mines within Sycamore seeds. Thinly distributed throughout much of England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Etainia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They may often be found resting on sycamore trunks, and are also attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in two generations, in June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae form slender mines within Sycamore seeds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thinly distributed throughout much of England. 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 Etainia decentella. 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 Etainia decentella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Etainia decentella
What is Etainia decentella?
Etainia decentella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Etainia decentella found?
Habitat: They may often be found resting on sycamore trunks, and are also attracted to light.
When is Etainia decentella active?
Etainia decentella: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in two generations, in June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Etainia decentella?
The larvae form slender mines within Sycamore seeds.