Eriocrania sangii
This record describes Eriocrania sangii (species). Recorded family: Eriocraniidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9 to 14 mm. A small purple and gold moth, there are similar species and detailed examination is required for a safe id. All Eriocraniidae leafmines have spaghetti-like frass, in long threads. The larva of Eriocrania sangii is unusual in being grey. This colour can sometimes be seen in a backlit mine, or retained in cast larval skin. When recording the mine, ensure that the larva or cast larval skin is photographed as well as the backlit mine The larva creates a blotch mine in a leaf of birch (Betula), rather like some related species, but unlike the other species, the larva itself is dark grey and is quite distinctive if the mined leaf is held up to the light. Locally frequent, especially in northern England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/E.sangii.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/glossata/eriocraniidae/eriocrania/eriocrania-sangii/
Wikipedia reference for Eriocrania sangii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocrania_sangii.
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
Well wooded areas containing Birch.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in March and April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva creates a blotch mine in a leaf of birch (Betula), rather like some related species, but unlike the other species, the larva itself is dark grey and is quite distinctive if the mined leaf is held up to the light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally frequent, especially in northern England. 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 sangii. 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 Eriocrania sangii (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eriocrania sangii
What is Eriocrania sangii?
Eriocrania sangii is a species in the family Eriocraniidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eriocrania sangii found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas containing Birch.
When is Eriocrania sangii active?
Eriocrania sangii: seasonal activity - The adults fly in March and April..
What is the life cycle of a Eriocrania sangii?
The larva creates a blotch mine in a leaf of birch (Betula), rather like some related species, but unlike the other species, the larva itself is dark grey and is quite distinctive if the mined leaf is held up to the light.