Heliozela resplendella
This record describes Heliozela resplendella (species). Recorded family: Heliozelidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 5 to 7 mm. There are other similar species and gen det may be needed to confirm identification of adult moths. The larva mines the leaves of Alder, causing a gall within the midrib. The mine is initially in the midrib and then along a side vein. Then a narrow gallery is cut through to an adjacent side vein, and the larva mines down this to re-enter the midrib. Finally it makes an oval excision in the leaf blade. The larva inside this leaf sandwich drops to the ground to pupate. Often fly in sunshine around Alder branches. The adult moths fly in a single generation from late May to July. The eggs of this species are laid on Alder (Alnus) leaves, usually in the midrib the larva then mines the leaf before pupating on the grund in an oval leaf sandwich excised from the leaf. The moth is widespread and locally common throughout England, Wales and parts of Southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/H.resplendella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/adeloidea/heliozelidae/heliozela/heliozela-resplendella/
Wikipedia reference for Heliozela resplendella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliozela_resplendella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Heliozelidae
- Genus
- Heliozela
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often fly in sunshine around Alder branches.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in a single generation from late May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on Alder (Alnus) leaves, usually in the midrib the larva then mines the leaf before pupating on the grund in an oval leaf sandwich excised from the leaf.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The moth is widespread and locally common throughout England, Wales and parts of Southern Scotland. 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 Heliozela resplendella. 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 Heliozela resplendella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Heliozela resplendella
What is Heliozela resplendella?
Heliozela resplendella is a species in the family Heliozelidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Heliozela resplendella found?
Habitat: Often fly in sunshine around Alder branches.
When is Heliozela resplendella active?
Heliozela resplendella: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in a single generation from late May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Heliozela resplendella?
The eggs of this species are laid on Alder (Alnus) leaves, usually in the midrib the larva then mines the leaf before pupating on the grund in an oval leaf sandwich excised from the leaf.