Incurvaria masculella
This record describes Incurvaria masculella (species). Recorded family: Incurvariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12-16 mm. The males of this moth have comb-like antennae, a feature unusual amongst the 'micros'. When viewed from certain angles, they also show a purplish metallic sheen. In areas with plenty of bushes and trees. The larvae mine leaves at first, later descending to the ground in a portable case and feeding on dead leaves. A number of deciduous trees and bushes can be used, but especially Hawthorn. It is a fairly frequent moth over most of Britain, with most records coming from southern England and from Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Incurvaria masculella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incurvaria_masculella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Incurvariidae
- Genus
- Incurvaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas with plenty of bushes and trees.
Seasonal Activity
Flies during May and early June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine leaves at first, later descending to the ground in a portable case and feeding on dead leaves. A number of deciduous trees and bushes can be used, but especially Hawthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is a fairly frequent moth over most of Britain, with most records coming from southern England and from Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Incurvaria masculella. 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 Incurvaria masculella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Incurvaria masculella
What is Incurvaria masculella?
Incurvaria masculella is a species in the family Incurvariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Incurvaria masculella found?
Habitat: In areas with plenty of bushes and trees.
When is Incurvaria masculella active?
Incurvaria masculella: seasonal activity - Flies during May and early June..
What is the life cycle of a Incurvaria masculella?
The larvae mine leaves at first, later descending to the ground in a portable case and feeding on dead leaves. A number of deciduous trees and bushes can be used, but especially Hawthorn.