Eriocrania salopiella
This record describes Eriocrania salopiella (species). Recorded family: Eriocraniidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 10 mm. The adults are golden, marked with purplish, with a distinct pale tornal triangular spot, and a smaller costal spot. The head is covered with yellowish hairs. All Eriocraniidae leafmines have spaghetti-like frass, in long threads. The mine starts in the centre of leaf, as a short gallery widening gradually into a blotch. The larva is white with pale brown head and darker mouthparts (ref. British leafminers), but this can be difficult to see. Other Eriocrania on Birch. The mines and larvae of Eriocrania sparrmannella are very similar, but occur later in the season Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Leafmine and larva: Only tenanted mines can be recorded. Photograph the mine (backlit) and the larva removed from the mine; note host species. Single-brooded, flying mainly during April and May. The larvae mine the leaves of birch Betula during May and June. The species is the latest of the birch-feeders with the exception of Eriocrania sparrmannella , which feeds mainly in July and August. Well distributed across mainland Britain, but fairly localised, this species is probably overlooked. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Identification notes
- online help
Wikipedia reference for Eriocrania salopiella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocrania_salopiella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Eriocraniidae
- Genus
- Eriocrania
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Birch occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Identification difficulty
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves of birch Betula during May and June. The species is the latest of the birch-feeders with the exception of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Well distributed across mainland Britain, but fairly localised, this species is probably overlooked. 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 Eriocrania salopiella. 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 Eriocrania salopiella
What is Eriocrania salopiella?
Eriocrania salopiella is a species in the family Eriocraniidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Eriocrania salopiella?
- online help
Where is Eriocrania salopiella found?
Habitat: Areas where Birch occurs.
When is Eriocrania salopiella active?
Eriocrania salopiella: seasonal activity - Identification difficulty.
What is the life cycle of a Eriocrania salopiella?
The larvae mine the leaves of birch Betula during May and June. The species is the latest of the birch-feeders with the exception of