Elachista albifrontella
This record describes Elachista albifrontella (species). Recorded family: Elachistidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 10 mm. Named after the noticeably whitish forehead, the most likely confusion species is E. apicipunctella , which however has an additional white spot in the apical area of the forewing. There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen is generally needed to identify the exact species. A red box around the image indicates that we think it is likely to be this species but can't be 100% certain. The adults fly in a single generation from late May to July. During September until around May, the larva mines a blade of a variety of grasses, leading to a pale blotch, sometimes moving between blades. This is a quite common species throughout most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Elachista albifrontella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elachista_albifrontella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Elachistidae
- Genus
- Elachista
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits a range of grassland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in a single generation from late May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
During September until around May, the larva mines a blade of a variety of grasses, leading to a pale blotch, sometimes moving between blades.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a quite common species throughout most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Elachista albifrontella. 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 Elachista albifrontella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elachista albifrontella
What is Elachista albifrontella?
Elachista albifrontella is a species in the family Elachistidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Elachista albifrontella found?
Habitat: Inhabits a range of grassland habitats.
When is Elachista albifrontella active?
Elachista albifrontella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in a single generation from late May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Elachista albifrontella?
During September until around May, the larva mines a blade of a variety of grasses, leading to a pale blotch, sometimes moving between blades.