Elachista utonella
This record describes Elachista utonella (species). Recorded family: Elachistidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 8 to 9 mm. Can be reliably separated from other similar Elachista species only by dissection of the genitalia. Wet and boggy areas where sedges (especially Carex species) are found. Larva mines the leaves of various sedges especially certain Carex species. The mines are usually visible from March to May. Widespread but uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
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
Wet and boggy areas where sedges (especially Carex species) are found.
Seasonal Activity
July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva mines the leaves of various sedges especially certain Carex species. The mines are usually visible from March to May.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but uncommon. 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 Elachista utonella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elachista utonella
What is Elachista utonella?
Elachista utonella is a species in the family Elachistidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Elachista utonella found?
Habitat: Wet and boggy areas where sedges (especially Carex species) are found.
When is Elachista utonella active?
Elachista utonella: seasonal activity - July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Elachista utonella?
Larva mines the leaves of various sedges especially certain Carex species. The mines are usually visible from March to May.