Gelechia sororculella
This record describes Gelechia sororculella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 13 to 15 mm. A brown or blackish moth which is distinguished from its congeners by the distinctive white ringed discal spot splitting a black streak along the fold, and a pale angulate postmedian fascia. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. If possible the moth should be retained until identification is confirmed. The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August. The eggs of this species are laid on willow ( Salix ) species, most commonly Sallow or Grey Willow. The larvae feed in spinnings among the leaves and sometimes in female catkins, and can be found in May. Pupation occurs within the spinnings. Widespread, but rather local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Gelechia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on willow (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, but rather local in Britain. 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 Gelechia sororculella. 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 Gelechia sororculella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gelechia sororculella
What is Gelechia sororculella?
Gelechia sororculella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Gelechia sororculella found?
Habitat: Where
When is Gelechia sororculella active?
Gelechia sororculella: seasonal activity - The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Gelechia sororculella?
The eggs of this species are laid on willow (